icherishAfrica

  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 C...

  Image of Sarah Baartman. Photo/ Courtesy Saartjie Baartman, also known as Sara, endured a tragic fate as one of the earliest documented victims of human sexual trafficking.  European spectators cruelly dubbed her the "Hottentot Venus," subjecting her to relentless public scrutiny and exploitation throughout her youth.  This degrading experience only fueled the already deep-seated, derogatory fascination Europeans held towards African women's bodies. Born in 1789 along the Gamtoos River, now part of South Africa's Eastern Cape, Baartman belonged to the Gonaquasub group of the Khoikhoi people.  Raised on a colonial farm, likely working as servants, her childhood was marred by tragedy with the loss of both parents at a tender age. Married in her teenage years to a Khoikhoi drummer, Baartman endured further sorrow with the death of their infant child and the murder of her husband by Dutch colonists.  Read Also: The Sandawe Tribe of Tanzania The Hadzabe Tribe of Ta...

  File image of the entrance of Kitum cave Kitum Cave, situated in Mount Elgon National Park in Kenya, gained notoriety after two visitors contracted the deadly Marburg virus and subsequently died.  Research indicates that the virus thrives in caves and mines where animals like Rousettus colony bats leave traces of their presence.  Humans exposed to such environments for extended periods may contract the virus, as was the case with the French nationals—a man who died in 1980 and a boy in 1987—shortly after visiting Kitum Cave. These two deaths prompted investigations, including a visit from the United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Disease (USAMRIID) to ascertain the cause of the fatalities.  Surprisingly, the research did not find any signs of the Marburg virus at the time, leading to a discrepancy with earlier reports attributing the deaths to the virus. Despite these mixed findings, Kitum Cave remains one of the most dangerous caves worldwide...