Doma-in Karanga means to name, to pick, to select, doma-singular, Vadoma, respectable plural, KaDoma, a diminitive singular.
There is a mysterious nation in Zimbabwe whose culture must be preserved as it offers a unique opportunity to study the ancient ways of life. The VaDoma, also known as the Doma or Dema, are an indigenous hunter-gatherer tribe:about 21000 population.
The Doma or vaDoma (singular muDoma), also known as Dema or Wadoma, are a tribe living in the Kanyemba region in the north of Zimbabwe, especially in the Hurungwe and Chipuriro districts around the basins of Mwazamutanda River, a tributary of the Zambezi River Valley. Tbey are the only non-agricultural people in Zimbabwe and are considered one of the country's most marginalized communities (Minority Rights Group, n.d.). VaDoma's have a very unique history with distinct cultural factors. Interesting to note the naming of one of the cities KaDoma, one can only wonder to the etymological link.
History
According to VaDoma mythology, their ancestors emerged from a baobab tree. Upon descending from it, they walked upright to hunt and gather the fruits of the land. The name VaDoma is also used in the Zambezi region for a semi-mythical people characterized as magical, capricious, hard to find, and living among the trees (Joshua Project, n.d.).
The VaDoma's history is marked by a struggle for survival and the preservation of their unique cultural identity. Living on the margins of society, the VaDoma have faced numerous challenges, including the loss of their traditional lands and resources, as well as social exclusion and discrimination (Towards integration: Zimbabwe's forgotten indigenous community, n.d.).
Unique Cultural Factors
1) Ectrodactyly: One distinctive feature of the VaDoma tribe is the occurrence of ectrodactyly, a genetic condition characterized by the absence of the middle three toes, leaving the two outer ones turned in. This has led to the tribe being referred to as the "two-toed" or "ostrich-footed" tribe. Although not everyone in the VaDoma population suffers from this condition, it affects approximately one in four children and is a unique characteristic of the tribe (Science Behind Ostrich People Of Zimbabwe- Ectrodactyly | SW, n.d.).
2) Language: The VaDoma speak the Dema language, which sets them apart from other tribes in Zimbabwe. The preservation of their language is crucial for maintaining their cultural identity and transmitting their unique worldview and knowledge from generation to generation (Joshua Project, n.d.).
3) Hunter-gatherer lifestyle: As the only non-agricultural people in Zimbabwe, the VaDoma maintain a traditional hunter-gatherer lifestyle. This way of life is closely tied to their cultural identity and understanding of the natural world (Minority Rights Group, n.d.).
4) Mythology and cosmology: VaDoma mythology and cosmology are unique and distinct from other Zimbabwean tribes. Their origin story of descending from a baobab tree is one example of how their beliefs shape their understanding of their place in the world (Joshua Project, n.d.). As people believe so they behave.
5) Social exclusion and marginalization: The VaDoma's history of social exclusion and marginalization has contributed to their unique cultural identity. Their struggle for survival and recognition has fostered a strong sense of community and resilience among the VaDoma people (Towards integration: Zimbabwe's forgotten indigenous community, n.d.). Development must not "whitewash" all Afrikans into coconuts, Brown outside white on the inside.
The VaDoma tribe of Zimbabwe possess a unique cultural identity shaped by their history, language, genetic traits, traditional hunter-gatherer lifestyle, and mythology. As an indigenous people struggling to maintain their way of life in the face of numerous challenges, the VaDoma serve as a reminder of the importance of preserving and celebrating cultural diversity. These old indegenous people are a warehouse of ancient knowledge and science which is a treasure to this generation. Their ways must be preserved.
Preservation strategies
To preserve the unique culture and people of the VaDoma, the Zimbabwean government and various stakeholders can implement several strategic actions and policies:
1) Legal Recognition and Protection: The government should grant the VaDoma legal recognition as an indigenous people, ensuring their rights to land, resources, and cultural practices. This can be achieved through the implementation of relevant legislation and policies that are in line with international standards, such as the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
2) Land Rights and Access to Resources: Secure the VaDoma's access to their ancestral lands and resources. This will enable them to maintain their traditional hunter-gatherer lifestyle and practice their customs freely. It also prevents displacement, which can lead to cultural erosion.
3) Cultural Preservation Initiatives: Support and fund cultural preservation initiatives aimed at documenting and promoting VaDoma's language, oral traditions, and mythology. This may include the establishment of cultural centers, museums, and festivals dedicated to VaDoma heritage.
4) Education: Incorporate VaDoma culture, history, and language into the national education system. This will raise awareness among the general public and promote understanding and respect for VaDoma's way of life. Additionally, providing education opportunities specifically tailored to VaDoma children can help ensure that their cultural identity is not lost through assimilation.
5) Healthcare: Address the unique healthcare needs of the VaDoma population, such as ectrodactyly and other genetic conditions. This includes providing access to medical facilities, specialist care, and genetic counseling.
6) Community Engagement and Empowerment: Encourage active participation of VaDoma communities in decision-making processes affecting their lives. Foster their self-determination by supporting local governance structures, leadership, and initiatives.
7) Research and Documentation: Invest in research and documentation efforts to further understand VaDoma's history, culture, and genetic heritage. This will contribute to a deeper appreciation of their unique contributions to Zimbabwe's cultural landscape.
These strategies, Zimbabwe can safeguard the VaDoma's unique culture and identity, ensuring that future generations will continue to benefit from their rich heritage.
Farmers of Thought (FOT)
References
Minority Rights Group. (n.d.). Doma in Zimbabwe. Retrieved from https://minorityrights.org/minorities/doma/
Joshua Project. (n.d.). VaDoma, the Zimbabwean ostrich tribe with rare 'two-toed' population. Retrieved from https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/14051/ZW
Towards integration: Zimbabwe's forgotten indigenous community. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.fairplanet.org/story/towards-integration-zimbabwes-forgotten-indigenous-community/
Science Behind Ostrich People Of Zimbabwe- Ectrodactyly | SW. (n.d.). Retrieved from
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