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The Most Unique Tribe on Earth: The Vadoma, Zimbabwe's ostrich-footed tribe

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louis Buyisiwe

November 29, 2024

The vaDoma people of Zimbabwe, known as the "ostrich-footed tribe," are a unique hunter-gatherer community with rich traditions and rare genetic traits.

Two vadoma girls, of the "ostrich-footed tribe"

The Vadoma are the only native hunter-gatherer tribe in Zimbabwe, and they live in the Zambezi Valley close to the Mwazamutanda River, They are also called Doma or Dema. Like many small and remote tribes, the Vadoma people of Zimbabwe have historically faced a limited gene pool as a result of their cultural customs and relative isolation.

The vaDoma people of Zimbabwe, known as the "ostrich-footed tribe," are a unique hunter-gatherer community with rich traditions and rare genetic traits.
Zimbabwe's Zambezi Valley

Endogamy in a Cultural and Genetic Context

The Vadoma customarily engage in endogamy, which is marriage within their tribe or community. This cultural practice helps maintain group identity but can limit genetic diversity.

Such practices are common in small or isolated populations worldwide.



Genetic Implications

The vaDoma people of Zimbabwe, known as the "ostrich-footed tribe," are a unique hunter-gatherer community with rich traditions and rare genetic traits.
Despite their unique characteristics, they are not considered disabled within their community

Due to the small population of the community, the genetic disorder ectrodactyly is more widespread because of the higher possibility of both parents possessing the gene. 

This is a product of a limited gene pool spanning many generations rather than necessary direct familial ties.


Respect for Cultural Practices

The vaDoma people of Zimbabwe, known as the "ostrich-footed tribe," are a unique hunter-gatherer community with rich traditions and rare genetic traits.
Ostrish-like feet is their unique feature

The term "incest" carries great cultural and moral judgment. It is more accurate to understand the Vadoma's genetic traits as a result of isolation and endogamy rather than a deliberate practice of closely related individuals marrying (e.g., siblings or parent-child).


Cultural Stigma

The vaDoma people of Zimbabwe, known as the "ostrich-footed tribe," are a unique hunter-gatherer community with rich traditions and rare genetic traits.
These people as hunters and gatherers still live in grass thatched houses

It is important to distinguish between cultural practices and taboos. Although endogamy is part of their tradition, the idea of "incest" as defined by closely related individuals marrying (e.g., siblings) is not a cultural norm in the Vadoma community.



Historical angle

Despite their unique characteristics, they are not considered disabled within their community
Due to their historical resistance to being incorporated into the Korekore Shona kingdom of Mutapa, they have kept their unique feet features to themselves

Due to their historical resistance to being incorporated into the Korekore Shona kingdom of Mutapa, the vaDoma had restricted access to fertile territory. In order to avoid predators, many vaDoma now lead settled lives as semi-foragers, erecting homes on wooden platforms. In their community, they are not regarded as impaired despite their distinctive traits.




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