Zayse in Ethiopia

Introduction / History

The Zayse are one of Ethiopia’s smaller tribes, representing a slight percentage of the population. The neighboring Koore people call them Zagisse, which means “the earliest.” Their homeland is in southern Ethiopia, west of Lake Chamo. They are distinguished from other tribes by their language, Zayse.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Zayse base their economy on a balance between agriculture and herding. Crops and livestock are probably of equal importance. During the dry season, the Zayse also engage in fishing to supplement their diets.

The typical Zayse dwelling, called a tukal, is a circular hut made of acacia branches covered with grass mats. The cone-shaped roof has an opening to allow smoke to escape. Their staple diet includes durra (a cereal grain), maize, beans, rice, milk, meat and wild fruits. Coffee and tea are popular beverages.

Traditionally, the Zayse were led by the kaat, who transferred power to his children. Today they give power to the maagas. There is a symbiotic relationship between individual Zayse people and the maaga. The maaga provides help if an individual’s livestock is stolen, something that happens a lot in southern Ethiopia. The maaga also acts as a judge over disputes. He protects the reputation of officeholders if an individual gives them trouble.

Clans are important to the Zayse people. If all men in a clan die, the clan is in jeopardy of becoming extinct.

The Zayse family is headed by an authoritarian father who has the right to total obedience. Men usually have only one wife, and children are considered a necessity. The more children a Zayse man has, the greater his prestige.

Rituals for naming Zayse children are usually not held until months or even years after birth. Attaining warrior status is an important aspect of Zayse culture. Boys are taught to use spears and begin training to become warriors at an early age. They are expected to demonstrate their skills as a hunter by killing wild game. The most important ceremony in the life of a Zayse man occurs after his first daughter reaches adolescence. This marks his passage to the prestigious status of ma gudoha, or "big man." This is also a coming-of-age time for the girl.

What Are Their Beliefs?

In southern Ethiopia, the traditional beliefs, rituals, and dances vary slightly with each tribe. However, all groups traditionally worshipped a supreme, masculine sky god, whom they view as being remote and inaccessible. They also believed in the existence of zar, or spirits that live near water and in other places that can possess people.

Though they have animistic tendencies, the Zayse have their own churches and the gospel has reached them. There is always a struggle to maintain faith in Christ; people often turn back to the spirit world in hard times.

What Are Their Needs?

The barren area in which the Zayse live suffers from a serious water shortage. Although other groups have received help in combating this problem, the Zayse feel that they have been neglected. Christian agricultural and environmental workers could perhaps minister the love of Jesus to the Zayse through this avenue.

Prayer Points

Pray that God will give Zayse believers many opportunities to share Christ with less reached tribes in Ethiopia.
Pray for Zayse disciples to make more disciples.
Pray for the Zayse people to maintain faith in Jesus Christ instead of the spirit world.
Ask the Lord to bring forth a vigorous Zayse church that will plant more churches.

Text Source:   Joshua Project