Kwegu in Ethiopia

Map Source:  Anonymous
People Name: Kwegu
Country: Ethiopia
10/40 Window: Yes
Population: 3,500
World Population: 3,500
Primary Language: Kwegu
Primary Religion: Ethnic Religions
Christian Adherents: 44.00 %
Evangelicals: 39.80 %
Scripture: Translation Started
Online Audio NT: No
Jesus Film: No
Audio Recordings: Yes
People Cluster: Nilotic
Affinity Bloc: Sub-Saharan Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Kwegu speak a language which is Nilo-Saharan. There is 36% lexical similarity with the Mursi and, depending on the area where they live, they use the Bodi dialect of Me'en or Mursi as second languge.

The Kwegu live in symbiotic relationship with the Mursi, which by some anthropologists is considered more of tribal dominance, in which the Mursi dominates the Kwegu. The Kwegu serve the Mursi by providing them with honey, games and are available to ferry them across the Omo, for the Kwegu are expert in crossing through the swift currents of the Omo River. In return, the Mursi benefit the Kwegu by assisting them to obtain cattle (which the Kwegu do not have) which is the vital part of bride wealth and without which they cannot get married.

Text Source:   Dr. Samuel Kebreab