The Saho are one of Eritrea’s nine officially recognized ethnic groups, known for their semi-nomadic lifestyle, Cushitic language, and strategic presence along the country’s eastern escarpment and lowlands.

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1. Location & Population

• Region in Eritrea: Primarily in the eastern escarpment and coastal lowlands stretching from south of Asmara toward the port city of Massawa and further south toward the border with Ethiopia’s Tigray region.

• Major Towns/Villages: Senafe, Foro, and Dekemhare areas.

• Population in Eritrea: Estimated at about 4–5% of the national population (tens of thousands).

• Also found across the border in northern Ethiopia.

2. Language

• Name: Saho.

• Language Family: Afro-Asiatic → Cushitic branch.

• Related Languages: Afar, Somali, and Oromo.

• Dialects: Several regional variations within Eritrea and Ethiopia.

• Writing System: Historically oral; now written in Latin script for literacy programs.

• Status: Recognized national language, taught in primary schools in Saho areas and used in local radio broadcasts.

3. Lifestyle & Economy

• Traditionally semi-nomadic pastoralists, herding goats, sheep, and camels.

• In more fertile escarpment areas, they practice rain-fed farming, growing sorghum, millet, and barley.

• Historically important as traders, moving goods between the Eritrean highlands, the coast, and the Afar lowlands.

4. Culture & Traditions

• Social Structure: Organized into clans (meela), with strong kinship ties and elders playing a role in conflict resolution.

• Attire:

   

  • Men: Often wear white robes (jalabiya) with turbans.

  • Women: Wear brightly colored dresses, beadwork, and henna decorations for special occasions.

• Marriage: Traditionally arranged, sometimes with inter-clan alliances to strengthen social bonds.

• Music & Dance: Features rhythmic drumming and choral singing, especially at weddings.

• Religion: Predominantly Muslim (Sunni), with Islamic traditions strongly influencing daily life.

5. History

• Oral tradition links the Saho to migrations from southern Arabia and long interaction with neighboring Afar, Tigre, and Tigrinya peoples.

• Historically served as intermediaries in trade between coastal ports like Massawa and inland highland communities.

• Their escarpment homeland placed them in key military and trade routes in both precolonial and colonial periods.

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6. Modern Life

• While many Saho still follow pastoral traditions, younger generations are increasingly educated and moving to towns for work.

• Government promotes Saho-language education and media, but challenges remain for infrastructure and water access in rural areas.

• Seasonal migration for grazing is still practiced in some communities.

Interesting fact: The Saho have a strong tradition of oral poetry and proverbs, often used in community gatherings to convey history, wisdom, and humour.

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People of Eritrea