Dorze

The Dorze tribe amounts to 29,000 people (recorded in 1994), of which 9,910 are monolingual. They live mainly in the southern regions of the country, although some members have migrated to Addis Ababa and other regions. The majority live in villages near the towns of Chencha and Arba Minch.

Hidden behind foliage, the singular habitations of the Dorze can be seen on both sides of the road. Often reaching more than 12 metres in height, the bamboo frameworks are covered with the dried leaves from false banana trees. Their roofs and walls are one ogival shape, and, like a nose in the middle of the face, a hole that constitutes the entrance breaks the convexity of the face of the building – making the structure resemble an elephant head.

Formerly formidable warriors, the Dorze have reconverted to the cultivation of the banana tree and the weaving of cotton chammas. On Sunday and Thursday, Chencha is an exciting to visit as it is market day. The children, the men and the women of the neighbouring counties, often accompanied by the family cow, walk for hours, laden with scanty merchandise for sale.

The community of Chercha is organized to welcome visitors. A cultural guide invites travelers to visit a traditional house and see how the cotton is weaved, and how the poncho is made from grated banana leaves. Keen visitors can also try the local alcohol.