Ethnic Groups of the Omo River Region

The Omotic States

• The Omotic states, comprising Wolaita, Gamo, Gofa, Dawuro, and Konta, share similar political structures and are located on both sides of the Omo River.

Wolaita

• The Wolaita people live between the Bilate River in the east and the Omo River in the west.
• The Omo River separates the Wolaita from the Dawuro people.

Gamo

• The Gamo people inhabit a mountainous terrain known as the Gamo Highlands, located south of Wolaita.

Historical Mentions

• The first written records of the Wolaita and Gamo date back to the 15th century.

Leadership

• The people of Wolaita, Gamo, and Gofa were led by a hereditary king, Kawo.
• The Dawuro and Konta people were led by a leader called Kati.

Wolaita Kingdom

• The state of Wolaita might have been part of the kingdom of Damot due to their strong connection.
• The ruling dynasty of Wolaita was known as Wolaita Malla.
• The Wolaita Malla dynasty recognized Motalami as its first king.

Relationship with Christian Kingdom

• Wolaita was one of the areas that paid tribute to the Christian king Yeshaq, who ruled from 1413 to 1430.