The Galla or Oroma of East Africa.

Abstract

This brief anthropological study describes the Galla, or Oromo meaning "free men," who constitute one of the largest racial groups in Ethiopia and a small minority in Kenya. The people are characterized as warlike, and their women wield great influence over their husbands and enjoy a large degree of freedom of movement, especially for a Moslem community. The homes, clothing, food, history, tribal organization, law, religion, medicine, marriage customs, funeral customs, and social welfare all receive attention. Marriage is entered into for rearing children rather than romantic or sentimental reasons. Premarital intercourse, not leading to marriage, is common; but this custom is revoked upon marriage, where faithfulness is demanded. Until recently, 1st born girls were left to die of exposure, resulting in a relative scarcity of women and necessitating early betrothels. Marriage is by purchase, being arranged by the bride's family with the groom's assent. Medicine relies on witchdoctors and medicinemen who are familiar with indigenous plants and their uses. These medical practitioners are granted high esteem within the community. An extended family, headed by the grandfather until his death, ensures social welfare for all members of the community.