Subject: Women Issues/Cultural Studies
Amhara Tribe: The Women of the Central Ethiopian Highlands
Amhara is a dominant ethnic group in the central highlands of Ethiopia, numbering about 20 million, making up about 30 % of the country’s population. Their predominant religion is Christianity, with the Ethiopian Orthodox Church being of vital importance to the culture. About 90% of the Amhara reside in the rural areas of Ethiopia and make their living through farming and raising stock. Barely, corn, millet, wheat, sorghum, along with beans, chick-peas, lentils, and other vegetables are the most important crops. Cattle, sheep, and goats are also raised. Most of the Amhara live in small, mud-straw huts surrounded by their farmlands and depending on farming for subsistence allows them just enough profit to live and pay taxes. An individual’s status or position in the social hierarchy is based on land tenure, feudal relations between noble and peasants, division of skilled labor, and to a lesser extent age and sex.
We spent several days traveling through the highlands of Ethiopia as we made our way to Addis Abba from the border of Sudan.During this time, I had the opportunity to observe the people of the region. I was most intrigued by the women of the Amhara tribe. Striking in both their demeanor and physical appearance, they have a look that separates them from their Ethiopian sisters. In particular, their short cropped hair was the first thing that caught my attention – a style that is virtually universal among the women of the tribe. From toddlers to the elderly, women of all ages, shapes, and sizes wore their hair short. On the surface one might assume that the tribal women cut their hair for aesthetic reasons, like a fashion trend of the West. But, this is not the case. Instead, short hair is a style that is layered in its significance to the women. They keep their hair short not only because it is easier to maintain, but also for the reason that they desire to be perceived as hard working people – a label that certainly characterizes their customs.
The status of the Amhara women is lower than that of menhowever it is not as inferior as in many other Near Eastern or East African groups, especially Islamic societies. Upper-class Amhara women have roles comparable to men and are usually treated with equal respect. Peasant women are more restricted and have an inferior legal status. Even though farming is primarily men’s work, the tribal women play a primary role in carrying out daily chores that are fundamental to the tribe’s continued existence. From buying, selling, and trading goods in the markets to transporting on their heads and back heavy loads of water, firewood, and other basic items needed for survival. Strong both in spirit and physical build, the women of the Amhara are extremely proud and hard working people.