EspañolThe Datoga people are a nomadic tribe living near Lake Eyasi and consider themselves the oldest tribe in Tanzania. Marianne from Green Diosa spent the day with three tribeswomen finding out about their old traditions and also learning how the men make weapons.
The Datoga have a reputation as a fierce warrior tribe and for making their own weapons and arrowheads and follow a similar way of life as they did a long time ago. Numbering around 100,000 people, the Datoga are known for their cattle herding, skills at forging metal, and resilience in adapting to the harsh, arid environments they inhabit. They are also known as the ‘Mang’ati’ in Swahili by neighboring tribes, a term meaning “fierce warrior,” reflecting their proud heritage.
Other Tanzanians and outsiders consider the Datoga primitive because they resist education and integration with modern society. They also have low standards of hygiene and have high infant mortality.
Traditionally, young tribesmen had to prove themselves by killing a dangerous wild animal such as a lion, an elephant or buffalo but hunting certain animals is now forbidden by the local government.
Through a local guide we took a minivan some two hours from Arusha via dirt roads. We were greeted with warm smiles by three Datoga women.
