Saho people


The Saho are an ethnic Cushitic peoples inhabiting the Horn of Africa. They are principally concentrated in Eritrea, with some also living in adjacent parts of Ethiopia. They speak Saho as a mother tongue, which belongs to the Cushitic branch of the Afroasiatic family and is closely related to all.

Demographics

According to Ethnologue, there are approximately 500.000 to 600.000 total Saho speakers. Most are concentrated in Eritrea, with the remainder inhabiting Ethiopia. Within Eritrea, the Saho primarily reside in the Southern and Northern Red Sea regions.

Language

The Saho people speak the Saho language as a mother tongue. It belongs to the Saho-Afar dialect cluster of the Lowland East Cushitic languages, which are part of the Cushitic branch of the Afroasiatic family. The Saho language is quite similar to Afar. The Irob dialect is only spoken in Ethiopia.

Religion

The Saho are predominantly Muslim. A few Christians, who are also known as the Irob, live in the Tigray region of Ethiopia and the Debub Region of Eritrea.

Customary law

Regarding the customary law of the Saho, when there is an issue the Saho tend to call for a meeting or conference which they call '"rahbe". In such a meeting the Saho people discuss how to solve issues related to water, pasture or land, clan disputes and how to alleviate these problems. This is also discussed with neighboring tribes or ethnic groups and sub-clans to reach a consensus.
A skilled representative is chosen for this meeting, this representative is called a "madarre". A madarre brings forth arguments to his audience and sub-clans or tribes who are involved and tries to win them over. This is discussed with clan or tribal wise men or elders, "ukal".
On smaller scale conflicts between 2 individuals, one of the 2 takes their grievances to the "ukal", they in turn appoint "shimagale" or mediators for the dispute
The Gadafur, whom are considered the saintly lineage. When it comes to customary law of the Saho, the Gadafur, who are considered part of the holy families, act as religious leaders and political mediators of the Minifere tribes. The Gadafur have a high status and are highly privileged and respected among the Saho. It is said that the Gadafur are originally from the tribe of Gadabuursi

Sub-divisions

1. Dabri-Mela
2. Assa-Awurta
3. Gaaso Arabic قعسو
4. Dasamo
5. Faqat Harak
6. Silaita
7. Idda, one of the earliest known Saho communities in Eritrea, also known as “Bado Ambalish” or "bearers of land".
8. Irob, a Christian community in the highlands of the Tigray Region.
9. Torra, Serrah Aria and Mussa Aria