Peoples and States in Africa Region

Peoples and States in Eastern, Central, Southern, and Western Regions

• Detailed study of all peoples and states impossible in a brief module; this section highlights examples.
• Regional peoples and states had connections through trade and other interactions.

Peoples and States in the East

• Emirate of Harar:
  • Nur Mujahid's reign saw Harar become a walled city.
  • Ali ibn Da’nd established a dynasty lasting over two centuries.
  • Amirs like Abdul Shakur strengthened the emirate.
  • The Majlis (council) supervised mosque land (waqf) and supported the Amirs.
  • Amirs expanded authority over surrounding groups (Afar, Argobba, Oromo, Somali) through trade, marriage, and Islam.

Peoples and States in Central and South Central Parts

• Kingdom of Shewa:

  • Negasi Kristos founded the kingdom, claiming descent from the Solomonic line.
  • He established alliances with Argobba Muslims.
  • Merid Azmatch Sebestie/Sebastyanos, Abuye/Abiyye, and Ainaha Iyesus/Ainhayyes were succeeding rulers.
  • Ainaha Iyesus consolidated control over various districts (Bulga, Efrata, Menz, etc.). His capital later moved to Ankober.
  • Asfa-Wosen expanded the kingdom by conquering surrounding territories (Antsokia, Asbo, etc.).
  • Economy relied primarily on agriculture, supplemented by trade and crafts.

• Gurage:

  • Two major groups (Western/Sebat Bet, Northern/Kistane) with traditional governance structures (Yajoka Qicha, Gordanna Sera).
  • No centralized leadership; power in descent/clan groups.
  • Leaders held titles like 'abegaz' or 'azmatch' (political/military authority).
  • Staple crop was enset.

• Silte:

  • Origins linked to people moving from eastern highlands, possibly related to conflicts with Christian kingdoms and Oromo.
  • Ethnogenesis may have involved a mix of groups.
  • Chief crops: enset (highlands) and cereals (lowlands).
  • Additional cash crops included khat, berbere, and increasingly coffee.

• Hadiya:

  • Origin dates back to the 13th century.
  • Population became more diverse after Christian-Adal wars and Oromo migrations.
  • Relations with the Christian state were largely stable, particularly after a royal marriage.
  • Notable subgroups include Mareko, Lemu, Soro, Shasliogo, and Badoivacho.

• Kambata:

  • Four separate communities (Kambata, Dubamo, Donga, Tembaro) coalesced around 1550-70 to form the Kambata state.
  • Omotic and Seinitic peoples influenced state formation.
  • Kambata Lamala were seven dominant clans.
  • Administrative institution (Hambericho Council) with seven members representing clans.
  • Staple crop was enset. Shared culture and language (Kambatissa).

• Halaba:

  • Lived between the Bilate River and Lake Hawasa.
  • Indigenous administration led by a Woma (king) and clan/village leaders.
  • Halabi Ogete (village leader assembly) handled societal issues and disputes.
  • Administrative system based on Sera (laws and values).
  • Economy focused on subsistence agriculture and livestock.
  • Major crops included red pepper, maize, and teff. Kolito was a major market center.

Peoples and States in the West

• Anywa:

  • Predominantly lived along rivers (Pibor, Sobat, Gila, etc.).
  • Local tradition traces origin to a founding father (Oshoda).
  • Village governance led by a chief (kuaari) and nobles (nyiye).

• Majang:

  • Origin in the Boma plateau in South Sudan; settled around Dembi-Dollo.
  • Practiced shifting cultivation, animal husbandry, beekeeping, hunting, and fishing.

• Nuer:

  • Lived in savannas and marshes of the Bahr el-Ghazal and Upper Nile regions.
  • Largely settled in the Gambella plains along the Sobat and Baro Rivers since the 19th century.
  • Had an age-set system with social and political functions.
  • Boys had to pass through initiation rites.

• Berta and Gumuz:

  • Lived around the lower Abbay (Awash) River.
  • Long trade contacts with northern Sudan led to strong Islamic influence.
  • Gold deposits attracted other groups.

• Kunama:

  • Ancient inhabitants of western Eritrea (Gash and Tekkeze Rivers).
  • Had a customary institution (sanga-anene) for administration, dispute resolution, and asylum.
  • Matrilineal inheritance of the sanga-anene office.
  • Staple crop was kina (sorghum). Other crops included millet, pulses, and maize. Kept goats, sheep, oxen, and camels.