The Gorwaa people, also known as the Gorowa or Gweno, are an indigenous Cushitic ethnic group residing primarily in the northern regions of Tanzania, particularly in the Arusha and Manyara regions. They traditionally practiced agriculture, livestock herding, and trade. Their cultural traditions, including music, dance, and unique oral literature, reflect their history, beliefs, and social organization. Here’s a brief overview of the Gorwaa people. Family Structure Traditionally, the Gorowa people are of patrilineal descent. Children born in a marriage follow their father’s clan and kinship. Males are heads of the family in that the father or eldest sons have the power to control a household. Gorwaa Clans The Gorwaa recognized several clans associated with a particular function in society. The clans included; Qooloo Harna’aa clan (paramount chief, wawitumo) Haryaambi clan Gilawee clan Gaytu clan Sumaye clan Har’iwaay clan Harahama clan Harsule clan Totems Clans among the Gorowa ha
Image via Unsplash The Luhya people, or the Abaluhya, are a large ethnic group residing in Western Kenya. They form one of the largest Bantu-speaking communities in the country, with diverse subgroups such as the Bukusu, Maragoli, Wanga, and Idakho, among others. Here is a summary of the Abaluyha community. Family Concept The man was the head of the family in the Luyha household. A family consisted of a husband, wife, and children. However, stepchildren, or adopted kids and relatives, were considered part of the household. Totems In the mid-twentieth century, there were at least 750 Abaluyia. The different clans had animals, birds, plants totem, and names of their forefathers. Subgroup (locality) They are divided into 18 other sub-tribes with different dialects altogether. Some of the sub-tribes are split into smaller groups, like the case of the Bukusu people. The main sub-tribes include; Bukusu, Maragoli, Gisu, Idakho, Isukha, Tachoni, Tiriki, Kabras, Khayo, Kisa, Banyala, Banyore,