ebanma History Corner
This page is dedicated to historical places and will be featuring stories and history of some of
these places from time to time. We extend an invitation to people to send us stories or history of
place/s you know. Very much appreciated. Thank you.
"Let us educate one another. And more importantly our children and others who know little
or nothing about Eritrea."
The Bet Tawke
Contributed by Aida Kidane posted on 09 Jan 2003
The Bet Tawke are presently in Keren area and speak Blin. It is commonly assumed that the
Tawke and Tarke were brothers. They had different origins and history. According to Munzinger,
the Bet Tawke converted to Islam 1830-40s. From the Sundstrom collections, Uppsala,
Sweden. Translated from the original Tigre to Tigrina by Ato Gebru Kifle, Uppsala 1997.
The WELEDO OF BET TAWKE Hatsei Dawit came from Bahri and settled in Gonder. And there
he begat Hatsei Tedros, who begat Hatsei Gebre Dengil, who begat Hatsei Menelik, who begat
Hatsei Fasil.
Hatsei Fasil begat Hatsei Tekle Giorgis, who begat Hatsei Iyasu who begat KaluK. KaluK begat
CHaluK who begat MaluK. MaluK begat Tsenai and Hizbai. Hizbai begat Ker Medaf who begat
Shashe-FeTin, who begat Zanoi, who begat Yohannes. Yohannes begat Fre MeHaKun who
begat Jimegan and TewKejan. TewKejan begat Abraham who went up to Halhal and Teséin
was born there. Tes'ein begat Menkerios who begat Tes'ein, who begat Gergis, who begat
Blenai. Blenai Begat Zafi' who begat Gaim, who begat Dere', who begat Raka. Raka begat
Hidad, who begat Mohammed who begat Fikak.
Gebre Kristos is the som of Abraham. He begat Ya'Kob, who begat Tsefa' and Gebsha. Taydes
is the son of Abraham, who begat Tsenai and Hizbai.
HOW ABRAHAM CAME TO HALHAL.
This is how Abraham came to Halhal. Semere-en son of TawKe entered Halhal from Adi
Teklezan. While he lived there, his father TawKe came to him. At that time the Bet Musi of
Anseba were strong and many. TawKe went to them to be friends and know them more,
together with his son. After a whole day with the Bet Musi, they started returning home to Halhal
at sunset. On their way some Bet Musi youths stopped them and killed TawKe, but his son fled
away. Adi ShesheKe are TawKe's mother clan. They carried his body and reached Satifa, who
carried him further to GibCHu. The GibCHu carried him to Begedai who carried him further to
the Lemechelli people, who carried him to his place of burial. When they started to take up the
body, the bed he lied on seemed stuck to the ground and however they tried to raise it, it was
impossible that he was buried right there.
The brothers of Semere-en gave him a sack of pebbles. He was to throw one pebble every
morning and when finished, to meet them at his father's burial place. He did as told and when
the pebbles were finished, went to hisfather's grave and waited for his brothers.
The Bet Musi were as many as having seven chiefs. Then, all Hamasien and TawKe people
went to the Bet Musi country and started a battle and fought for three days. There was no man
from the Bet Musi who escaped death. TheTawKe then gathered the Bet Musi cattle and took
them.
That day, Semere-en asked who of his brothers shall stay behind with him. Abraham said if he
is given seven men (werazut), he would stay. The seven given to him were one from Dengen,
one from Lagon, Galey, Sekhrenai, Hamassenai, wedi Gabul, Nehabai, Sehartai, WaTai.
Abraham took all these and entered Halhal. There were Barya people living there and the new
comers killed them. One girl was left and he married her. (In 1995 I met a Bet Musi Family in
Firdigi village west of Keren, and the father told me the few Bet Musi still survived. Aida)
RAID ON BET TAWKE
The Hedarib raided Bet Tawke and kidnapped Awelbeb wedi Ali Nor. The Bet Tawke to retaliate
asked Nesur wedi Beyed to return them the kidnapped son. He refused this and they returned
empty handed. The son was related to Hakin wedi Medin, as a nephew. After two months, they
decided to ask Hakin to help them.
Bet Tawke went to Hakin wed Medin and spent the night eating and drinking. At sunrise, they
told Hakin how the Hedarib had kidnapped his nephew. Hakin asked why they delayed so long.
You should have told me at that hot moment. Hakin sent five men to Nesur wedi Beyed, saying
you have had my nephew for a long time and return him now. Nesur had not known their
relationship that with the cattle, returned the son back to Bet Tawke
BET TAWKE
Book: Zanta Eritrea, Tigrina, by Mikael Hasama Raka 1986 3rd Edition, 1992 Franchescana
Printing Press, Asmera. (my translation)
Bet 'TawKe (Tawke) The sons of Simirtsim, son of Dembezan. They first settled in Aberkia near
Ad Teklezan. The brothers 'TawKe and Bidel are sons of Simirtsim. TawKe begat Semerechon,
Abraham and Tekle-Zan. Semerechon's cattle were plenty and with them migrated to Degu'a
Halhal. There he met two men Chinfaya and Shibakha living in a cave. Finding the Halhal lands
vast and fertile, he took milk to these two men and asked them to be allowed to settle there.
Chinfay accepted him but Shibaka refused at first, claiming that his sons would inherit the
lands, but later agreed to it. Therefore Semerechon settled in Halhal.
A strong people the Bet Musi from Agaw settled in Deber Musi in lower Anseba. Because this
made him fear, Semerechon sent word to his father in Ad Tekle-Zan about it. TawKe followed
by his soldiers came to Halhal. He recognized the land to be fertile and was pleased. Before
returning home, he went to the Bet Musi and asked for promise that they would not harm his
son. When they confirmed not to hurt his son, he wanted to leave. They asked him not to go
now as they had sent raid groups out who may attack him. But he refused saying he must hurry
back home. On the way back, the raiding group met with TawKe and wounded both him and his
soldier. When Semerechon heard of this he went there and carried the wounded back to his
village, and sent word to his brothers. His brothers came from their Adi and carried the
wounded towards home. When they reached Emba Derho Tahtai, both wounded died. They
buried the soldier there and decided to bury TawKe in Adi Tekle-Zan, but the corpse refused to
be risen. The brothers then took out the corpse of the soldier and buried them both in Ad
Tekle-Zan.
After forty days Halhal and Ad Tekle-Zan gathered and decided to raid the Bet Musi for revenge.
That they would not miss the day, everyone carried forty pebbles in his sack and threw one
every morning. When the day arrived as agreed, they met in battle. The Bet Musi were not brave
but also crafty and met the over numbering force with courage. The craft makers of Bet Musie
were behind the fighters making new spears and spread them around. The Bet TawKe were
disturbed by the unending flow of spears. Semerechon hid away and coming to the back of the
enemy found the spear maker and wounded him. The wounded man cursed "Eh! May your tribe
not be plenty!" and died. The Bet Musi were defeated for lack of spears. Perhaps the curse
worked that Semerechon's clan did not flourish.
After the battle, Abraham went from Ad Tekle-Zan and settled in Halhal. He had many children
there. But all his children died and giving up hope, decided to become a hermit. On the way he
met a man who asked Abraham where he was going. He told his story and his decision to
become a hermit. The man said go back to your village and trim the tree near your house on
that day. Next morning if the tree has fallen to the west, go to a convent to be a
hermit. If it falls to the east get married and settle in your village.
Abraham returned to his village and did as the man told him. The next morning he found the
tree fallen to the east that he married and settled in his village. He had many children. Now the
his descendents are the larger of the Tawke. They are found in the five villages of Adi Chefa, Adi
Gabsha Adi Feza, Adi Harish (Adi Petros), and Lamziri
Tekle-Zan the youngest son of TawKe stayed in his father's home (dembe) and begat Seriat
Segede, who begat Tekle Haimanot and Fremekha. Kiflr Gergish and Elos from the clan of
Tekle-Zan competing each other ruled over Dembezan.
When the descendents of Meroni became plenty they spread out to hold lands. One part of deki
Dembezan son of Meketer stayed in the original place the Meroni came to and named it
Dembezan. The people who had been there before them and those coming after them, they
called them "Meket" and ruled over them. They refused to share or give power with them. (39. A.
Pollera "LE POPOLAZIONI INDIGENE DEL L?ERITREA" p. 92.). The Alet who had mingled with
the deki Meroni are found in Ta'reshi, Agaw. Alberto Pollera states that there are a small pocket
of people in Shema Negus Tahtai coming from Tembien, and in Zengeren coming from Axum.
Before the rule of the Italians, the people of Dembezan spoke both Tigrina and Tigre. But this
new generation speaks Tigrina only, except for the Wara people. (40. Ibid. P 93). The elders of
Dembezan had many "hilai" (poems) but are not recorded. As the Tigre poems are heart
touching, poets (haleyti) use it in happy or sad events, even Blin and Tigrina speakers used it.
The people of Dembezan are also known as "Hamushte Zemat". They are proud of their origin
and are courageous as history states. It is apparent in the time of Degiat Hadgembes they are
known for defending against the Italians strongly and unbendingly fighting for the freedom of
Africa.
these places from time to time. We extend an invitation to people to send us stories or history of
place/s you know. Very much appreciated. Thank you.
"Let us educate one another. And more importantly our children and others who know little
or nothing about Eritrea."
The Bet Tawke
Contributed by Aida Kidane posted on 09 Jan 2003
The Bet Tawke are presently in Keren area and speak Blin. It is commonly assumed that the
Tawke and Tarke were brothers. They had different origins and history. According to Munzinger,
the Bet Tawke converted to Islam 1830-40s. From the Sundstrom collections, Uppsala,
Sweden. Translated from the original Tigre to Tigrina by Ato Gebru Kifle, Uppsala 1997.
The WELEDO OF BET TAWKE Hatsei Dawit came from Bahri and settled in Gonder. And there
he begat Hatsei Tedros, who begat Hatsei Gebre Dengil, who begat Hatsei Menelik, who begat
Hatsei Fasil.
Hatsei Fasil begat Hatsei Tekle Giorgis, who begat Hatsei Iyasu who begat KaluK. KaluK begat
CHaluK who begat MaluK. MaluK begat Tsenai and Hizbai. Hizbai begat Ker Medaf who begat
Shashe-FeTin, who begat Zanoi, who begat Yohannes. Yohannes begat Fre MeHaKun who
begat Jimegan and TewKejan. TewKejan begat Abraham who went up to Halhal and Teséin
was born there. Tes'ein begat Menkerios who begat Tes'ein, who begat Gergis, who begat
Blenai. Blenai Begat Zafi' who begat Gaim, who begat Dere', who begat Raka. Raka begat
Hidad, who begat Mohammed who begat Fikak.
Gebre Kristos is the som of Abraham. He begat Ya'Kob, who begat Tsefa' and Gebsha. Taydes
is the son of Abraham, who begat Tsenai and Hizbai.
HOW ABRAHAM CAME TO HALHAL.
This is how Abraham came to Halhal. Semere-en son of TawKe entered Halhal from Adi
Teklezan. While he lived there, his father TawKe came to him. At that time the Bet Musi of
Anseba were strong and many. TawKe went to them to be friends and know them more,
together with his son. After a whole day with the Bet Musi, they started returning home to Halhal
at sunset. On their way some Bet Musi youths stopped them and killed TawKe, but his son fled
away. Adi ShesheKe are TawKe's mother clan. They carried his body and reached Satifa, who
carried him further to GibCHu. The GibCHu carried him to Begedai who carried him further to
the Lemechelli people, who carried him to his place of burial. When they started to take up the
body, the bed he lied on seemed stuck to the ground and however they tried to raise it, it was
impossible that he was buried right there.
The brothers of Semere-en gave him a sack of pebbles. He was to throw one pebble every
morning and when finished, to meet them at his father's burial place. He did as told and when
the pebbles were finished, went to hisfather's grave and waited for his brothers.
The Bet Musi were as many as having seven chiefs. Then, all Hamasien and TawKe people
went to the Bet Musi country and started a battle and fought for three days. There was no man
from the Bet Musi who escaped death. TheTawKe then gathered the Bet Musi cattle and took
them.
That day, Semere-en asked who of his brothers shall stay behind with him. Abraham said if he
is given seven men (werazut), he would stay. The seven given to him were one from Dengen,
one from Lagon, Galey, Sekhrenai, Hamassenai, wedi Gabul, Nehabai, Sehartai, WaTai.
Abraham took all these and entered Halhal. There were Barya people living there and the new
comers killed them. One girl was left and he married her. (In 1995 I met a Bet Musi Family in
Firdigi village west of Keren, and the father told me the few Bet Musi still survived. Aida)
RAID ON BET TAWKE
The Hedarib raided Bet Tawke and kidnapped Awelbeb wedi Ali Nor. The Bet Tawke to retaliate
asked Nesur wedi Beyed to return them the kidnapped son. He refused this and they returned
empty handed. The son was related to Hakin wedi Medin, as a nephew. After two months, they
decided to ask Hakin to help them.
Bet Tawke went to Hakin wed Medin and spent the night eating and drinking. At sunrise, they
told Hakin how the Hedarib had kidnapped his nephew. Hakin asked why they delayed so long.
You should have told me at that hot moment. Hakin sent five men to Nesur wedi Beyed, saying
you have had my nephew for a long time and return him now. Nesur had not known their
relationship that with the cattle, returned the son back to Bet Tawke
BET TAWKE
Book: Zanta Eritrea, Tigrina, by Mikael Hasama Raka 1986 3rd Edition, 1992 Franchescana
Printing Press, Asmera. (my translation)
Bet 'TawKe (Tawke) The sons of Simirtsim, son of Dembezan. They first settled in Aberkia near
Ad Teklezan. The brothers 'TawKe and Bidel are sons of Simirtsim. TawKe begat Semerechon,
Abraham and Tekle-Zan. Semerechon's cattle were plenty and with them migrated to Degu'a
Halhal. There he met two men Chinfaya and Shibakha living in a cave. Finding the Halhal lands
vast and fertile, he took milk to these two men and asked them to be allowed to settle there.
Chinfay accepted him but Shibaka refused at first, claiming that his sons would inherit the
lands, but later agreed to it. Therefore Semerechon settled in Halhal.
A strong people the Bet Musi from Agaw settled in Deber Musi in lower Anseba. Because this
made him fear, Semerechon sent word to his father in Ad Tekle-Zan about it. TawKe followed
by his soldiers came to Halhal. He recognized the land to be fertile and was pleased. Before
returning home, he went to the Bet Musi and asked for promise that they would not harm his
son. When they confirmed not to hurt his son, he wanted to leave. They asked him not to go
now as they had sent raid groups out who may attack him. But he refused saying he must hurry
back home. On the way back, the raiding group met with TawKe and wounded both him and his
soldier. When Semerechon heard of this he went there and carried the wounded back to his
village, and sent word to his brothers. His brothers came from their Adi and carried the
wounded towards home. When they reached Emba Derho Tahtai, both wounded died. They
buried the soldier there and decided to bury TawKe in Adi Tekle-Zan, but the corpse refused to
be risen. The brothers then took out the corpse of the soldier and buried them both in Ad
Tekle-Zan.
After forty days Halhal and Ad Tekle-Zan gathered and decided to raid the Bet Musi for revenge.
That they would not miss the day, everyone carried forty pebbles in his sack and threw one
every morning. When the day arrived as agreed, they met in battle. The Bet Musi were not brave
but also crafty and met the over numbering force with courage. The craft makers of Bet Musie
were behind the fighters making new spears and spread them around. The Bet TawKe were
disturbed by the unending flow of spears. Semerechon hid away and coming to the back of the
enemy found the spear maker and wounded him. The wounded man cursed "Eh! May your tribe
not be plenty!" and died. The Bet Musi were defeated for lack of spears. Perhaps the curse
worked that Semerechon's clan did not flourish.
After the battle, Abraham went from Ad Tekle-Zan and settled in Halhal. He had many children
there. But all his children died and giving up hope, decided to become a hermit. On the way he
met a man who asked Abraham where he was going. He told his story and his decision to
become a hermit. The man said go back to your village and trim the tree near your house on
that day. Next morning if the tree has fallen to the west, go to a convent to be a
hermit. If it falls to the east get married and settle in your village.
Abraham returned to his village and did as the man told him. The next morning he found the
tree fallen to the east that he married and settled in his village. He had many children. Now the
his descendents are the larger of the Tawke. They are found in the five villages of Adi Chefa, Adi
Gabsha Adi Feza, Adi Harish (Adi Petros), and Lamziri
Tekle-Zan the youngest son of TawKe stayed in his father's home (dembe) and begat Seriat
Segede, who begat Tekle Haimanot and Fremekha. Kiflr Gergish and Elos from the clan of
Tekle-Zan competing each other ruled over Dembezan.
When the descendents of Meroni became plenty they spread out to hold lands. One part of deki
Dembezan son of Meketer stayed in the original place the Meroni came to and named it
Dembezan. The people who had been there before them and those coming after them, they
called them "Meket" and ruled over them. They refused to share or give power with them. (39. A.
Pollera "LE POPOLAZIONI INDIGENE DEL L?ERITREA" p. 92.). The Alet who had mingled with
the deki Meroni are found in Ta'reshi, Agaw. Alberto Pollera states that there are a small pocket
of people in Shema Negus Tahtai coming from Tembien, and in Zengeren coming from Axum.
Before the rule of the Italians, the people of Dembezan spoke both Tigrina and Tigre. But this
new generation speaks Tigrina only, except for the Wara people. (40. Ibid. P 93). The elders of
Dembezan had many "hilai" (poems) but are not recorded. As the Tigre poems are heart
touching, poets (haleyti) use it in happy or sad events, even Blin and Tigrina speakers used it.
The people of Dembezan are also known as "Hamushte Zemat". They are proud of their origin
and are courageous as history states. It is apparent in the time of Degiat Hadgembes they are
known for defending against the Italians strongly and unbendingly fighting for the freedom of
Africa.
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| © 2002 - 2008, Debanma Community U.K All rights reserved. |
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The migration of the Tarke to Megareh;
How they came, and who were already there; the story
Contributed by Aida Kidane, 26 Sep 2003
This is from the Sundstrom collections, originally in Tigre language. Sundstrom was a
Swedish missionary stationed in Geleb in the 1890s and collected many writings from the
people. The Tigre texts were translated to me to Tigrina by Ato Gebru Kifle 1998. I have
translated it to English as direct as possible, as some sayings have meanings not easy to
understand now.
Tarke from Lasta quarreled with his people. He gathered his children, animals and those
wanting to go with him, and settled in a place called WegeriKo, and holding land stayed there
for some years.
And from there he settled in a place called Aagamat. After this, the children of Tarke made an
agreement that they would search for better lands in different directions, and they set off. Their
names are Hada, Lemechellai, Begedai, Satifai, Gebru, and Debru. Gebru, Debru and Hada
went to Barka direction. Satifa, Begedai and Lemechelle went to Anseba direction. Then,
Satifa went through Shelfa direction and crossed to Musha. Lemechelle and Begedai roamed
the area from Ekel Sebnakhu until Jar Gengini Kum, and also searched until Hashela.
After this, Satifai, Lemechellei, and Begedai met and sat in council. Satifai said I have got a
place to my liking and will settle there. Lemechelai and Begedai said that the areas they
roamed was satisfactory and we shall divide it between us. Begedai settled in the area
between Jar Genjini Kum until Hashela, and the rest of the area upwards Lemechellai settled
in. And now what shall we do with our brothers in Barka, they said to each other. They decided
to deceive them saying ‘If they ask us how we found the lands, we will say the land is
worthless. And when they start loading their oxen, let us load Kinab (oxen disliking loading)
oxen and we will say ‘the oxen are not obeying us, go forward and we will come after you. "And
when they have gone, we will change direction to Anseba." they
agreed.
The next morning the Barka group came and asked the Anseba group and asked them how
the land was. The Anseba group answered that the land was not commodious. They in turn
asked the Barka group what they saw. They answered the land was plenty and good. "Let us
all go down to Barka together" they agreed and started loading their oxen. Lemechellai and
Begedai as agreed earlier loaded kinab oxen and were delayed that Gebru, Debru and Hada
asked why they were not starting the journey. They replied the oxen were not obeying them
said, "you proceed and we will come behind you." The Barka group went their way. From the
other group, Lemechellai settled in Anseba. Begedai settled his Tabot in Shareki. Satifai
crossed to Musha and built their nahsi homes. (Nahsi. Huts-built of stones and grass as roof)
Of the Barka group, Hada and his followers settled in Tsada Haga. Gebru and Debru agreed
that Debru moved to the left and settled in Adirba, and Gebru went up to Megareh where a few
Kelew lived and he settled amongst them. Hada moved from Tsada Haga and settled in
Demba? But the place did not accomodate him and all his animals perished that he moved to
his brother Debru in Adirba and lived there for a long time. But tigers were disturbing them that
he moved back to Tsada Haga. Later on he moved to Megareh.
The sons of Tarke had horses that Hada and Gebru in their horsebacks raided cattle from
Algedenai and took them home. Those at home saw that there were cattle and raided cattle
like them. Later on the Mensa raided these cattle and then the Mensa returned to their
homeland.
Afterwards, the sons of Hada decided to raid their uncle Begedai and raided Shareki and
killed Shum Kertema and they stole away the Tabot and placed it in Megareh.
Then, Hada got old and weak. One day while sitting in the community, a girl passed by him.
She was a girl of Sequin tribe. He glanced and looked at her. His son was sitting by him and
said "Why did you look at her Father" Hada answered, "Does the eye die too?" The son asked
if he wanted to marry her. Hada said she would bear him a son who will lead a river.
Hada's son went to the girl's father and asked him for her hand. Her father asked for whom,
and the son said to his father. The girl's father said Hada needs not only a girl, but a man (to
care for him) and that he was not the girl's age to be a husband. Hada's son got angry and
threatened the father and went away. Because of this the girl's parent were saddened. The girl
noticed them and asked her mother why they were sad. The girl said why they were so
disturbed by this. The girl said "Betroth me to him, maybe I was meant to him. But then my
father has to obey to what I ask of him." And as agreed she was betrothed to Hada.
When her wedding day approached, she told her father to present her many Tenkebet (mats),
and "when 40 days of marriage has passed, bring me two lekota (goat hide bag) honey, two
lekota butter, a sterile cow, grounded grain, and a cooking utensil. And when these are
finished, you will bring me the same." The father promised to fulfill these and she got married.
After the 40 days of wedding had passed, she ordered a large mat hut (Ablo, newly married
live there for some days) and they built it. Her father brought all he had promised her. She
ordered one lekota of honey and butter brought out and the cow slaughtered. Half the cow
meat was cut into pieces and dried out. Some meat parts were cooked to eat. The rest were
cut in long pieces and boiled. After all was prepared, she first fed him from the zilzil (long cut
pieces of meat) and then gave him Mes (honey drink). After the long meat and Mes were
finished, she made Mes again and gave it to him, and fed him from the Fusso meat(The meat
is boiled lightly, cut into pieces, and then dried and grounded). After the Fusso meat was
finished, she gave him from the dried meat and Mes. This man began to look strong and
younger. When what she had finished, her father brought her the same again. And this girl
made him strong as before. Therefore Hada invited his father’s people to a
feast. He was also seen visiting here and there. The girl became pregnant and had a boy,
which Hada named Tes-ein. And the name means a child born in old age. She had a second
son who was named Ekub-en, and then a third son was born, and Hada named him Berhanu
(his light). He gave him this name for having seen light near his dying time. After these three
sons were born, Hada died.
Those sons born of the girl from Seqen tribe were thus called Seqeneiti people, after their
mother?s tribe, and are still called so.
After this, the first and second group of Hada’s sons quarreled and fought. The Seqeneiti
were stronger and won staying in Megareh while the others started living in Adirba. And later
they were reconciled. Those who had crossed to Adirba returned to Hashela. Tes-en and
Berhanu were farming there. Tes-en’s farm did not yield where Berhanu’s was plentiful and
after harvesting Berhanu used to send Tes-en grain in Aybet(weight). When people asked
Tes-en if he had grain, he said thanks to my brother Abharis (Berhanu)
I have, even if I did not get good harvest.
Hebtoi son of Hada was born from the first wife. His sons are Asekih, Gedlom, Ekubas, and
Ekuba Kristos. Asekeh was a strong man and good judge, and rich that even his dogs had
Heromai (identifying marks) tied on their necks.
Tes-en son of Hada had sons Hezbai and Hankil. Hankil had Weri-seb, and Hezbai had
Gered. Gered?s son was Atoshim who had Shebot who had Gered and Jemi?. Gered had
Hizbai and Atoshim. And Atoshim had Ejel. Idris, Shebot, Gehir,and Hashel. And Hezbai had
Abrehe, Haris, Isaak, Fekak, and Malek.
From the sons of Tarke, Begedai held to his land. Gebru too held to his land. But Satifa who
had crossed to Musha has become extinct that his brothers divided his land among
themselves.
At the land of Lemechelli was a water well (Ila) where the cattle Ber’ed (kind of cattle) were
born as Denbay (without horns). The neighboring villages wanted to drink from that well and
were forbidden by them that they fought and some were killed. From that day on, the well
became dry.
This way the sons of Tarke became plenty and became holders of the land.
Fn. Ato Gebru adds the first sons of Hada as Sa’r Amba as the first, and Afrehom from another
woman. In another book it states that Hada and group were striken by Malaria in Barka land.
And that is where Hada learnt of the aristocrat and serf system. This should not be taken as
wholly correct history.
How they came, and who were already there; the story
Contributed by Aida Kidane, 26 Sep 2003
This is from the Sundstrom collections, originally in Tigre language. Sundstrom was a
Swedish missionary stationed in Geleb in the 1890s and collected many writings from the
people. The Tigre texts were translated to me to Tigrina by Ato Gebru Kifle 1998. I have
translated it to English as direct as possible, as some sayings have meanings not easy to
understand now.
Tarke from Lasta quarreled with his people. He gathered his children, animals and those
wanting to go with him, and settled in a place called WegeriKo, and holding land stayed there
for some years.
And from there he settled in a place called Aagamat. After this, the children of Tarke made an
agreement that they would search for better lands in different directions, and they set off. Their
names are Hada, Lemechellai, Begedai, Satifai, Gebru, and Debru. Gebru, Debru and Hada
went to Barka direction. Satifa, Begedai and Lemechelle went to Anseba direction. Then,
Satifa went through Shelfa direction and crossed to Musha. Lemechelle and Begedai roamed
the area from Ekel Sebnakhu until Jar Gengini Kum, and also searched until Hashela.
After this, Satifai, Lemechellei, and Begedai met and sat in council. Satifai said I have got a
place to my liking and will settle there. Lemechelai and Begedai said that the areas they
roamed was satisfactory and we shall divide it between us. Begedai settled in the area
between Jar Genjini Kum until Hashela, and the rest of the area upwards Lemechellai settled
in. And now what shall we do with our brothers in Barka, they said to each other. They decided
to deceive them saying ‘If they ask us how we found the lands, we will say the land is
worthless. And when they start loading their oxen, let us load Kinab (oxen disliking loading)
oxen and we will say ‘the oxen are not obeying us, go forward and we will come after you. "And
when they have gone, we will change direction to Anseba." they
agreed.
The next morning the Barka group came and asked the Anseba group and asked them how
the land was. The Anseba group answered that the land was not commodious. They in turn
asked the Barka group what they saw. They answered the land was plenty and good. "Let us
all go down to Barka together" they agreed and started loading their oxen. Lemechellai and
Begedai as agreed earlier loaded kinab oxen and were delayed that Gebru, Debru and Hada
asked why they were not starting the journey. They replied the oxen were not obeying them
said, "you proceed and we will come behind you." The Barka group went their way. From the
other group, Lemechellai settled in Anseba. Begedai settled his Tabot in Shareki. Satifai
crossed to Musha and built their nahsi homes. (Nahsi. Huts-built of stones and grass as roof)
Of the Barka group, Hada and his followers settled in Tsada Haga. Gebru and Debru agreed
that Debru moved to the left and settled in Adirba, and Gebru went up to Megareh where a few
Kelew lived and he settled amongst them. Hada moved from Tsada Haga and settled in
Demba? But the place did not accomodate him and all his animals perished that he moved to
his brother Debru in Adirba and lived there for a long time. But tigers were disturbing them that
he moved back to Tsada Haga. Later on he moved to Megareh.
The sons of Tarke had horses that Hada and Gebru in their horsebacks raided cattle from
Algedenai and took them home. Those at home saw that there were cattle and raided cattle
like them. Later on the Mensa raided these cattle and then the Mensa returned to their
homeland.
Afterwards, the sons of Hada decided to raid their uncle Begedai and raided Shareki and
killed Shum Kertema and they stole away the Tabot and placed it in Megareh.
Then, Hada got old and weak. One day while sitting in the community, a girl passed by him.
She was a girl of Sequin tribe. He glanced and looked at her. His son was sitting by him and
said "Why did you look at her Father" Hada answered, "Does the eye die too?" The son asked
if he wanted to marry her. Hada said she would bear him a son who will lead a river.
Hada's son went to the girl's father and asked him for her hand. Her father asked for whom,
and the son said to his father. The girl's father said Hada needs not only a girl, but a man (to
care for him) and that he was not the girl's age to be a husband. Hada's son got angry and
threatened the father and went away. Because of this the girl's parent were saddened. The girl
noticed them and asked her mother why they were sad. The girl said why they were so
disturbed by this. The girl said "Betroth me to him, maybe I was meant to him. But then my
father has to obey to what I ask of him." And as agreed she was betrothed to Hada.
When her wedding day approached, she told her father to present her many Tenkebet (mats),
and "when 40 days of marriage has passed, bring me two lekota (goat hide bag) honey, two
lekota butter, a sterile cow, grounded grain, and a cooking utensil. And when these are
finished, you will bring me the same." The father promised to fulfill these and she got married.
After the 40 days of wedding had passed, she ordered a large mat hut (Ablo, newly married
live there for some days) and they built it. Her father brought all he had promised her. She
ordered one lekota of honey and butter brought out and the cow slaughtered. Half the cow
meat was cut into pieces and dried out. Some meat parts were cooked to eat. The rest were
cut in long pieces and boiled. After all was prepared, she first fed him from the zilzil (long cut
pieces of meat) and then gave him Mes (honey drink). After the long meat and Mes were
finished, she made Mes again and gave it to him, and fed him from the Fusso meat(The meat
is boiled lightly, cut into pieces, and then dried and grounded). After the Fusso meat was
finished, she gave him from the dried meat and Mes. This man began to look strong and
younger. When what she had finished, her father brought her the same again. And this girl
made him strong as before. Therefore Hada invited his father’s people to a
feast. He was also seen visiting here and there. The girl became pregnant and had a boy,
which Hada named Tes-ein. And the name means a child born in old age. She had a second
son who was named Ekub-en, and then a third son was born, and Hada named him Berhanu
(his light). He gave him this name for having seen light near his dying time. After these three
sons were born, Hada died.
Those sons born of the girl from Seqen tribe were thus called Seqeneiti people, after their
mother?s tribe, and are still called so.
After this, the first and second group of Hada’s sons quarreled and fought. The Seqeneiti
were stronger and won staying in Megareh while the others started living in Adirba. And later
they were reconciled. Those who had crossed to Adirba returned to Hashela. Tes-en and
Berhanu were farming there. Tes-en’s farm did not yield where Berhanu’s was plentiful and
after harvesting Berhanu used to send Tes-en grain in Aybet(weight). When people asked
Tes-en if he had grain, he said thanks to my brother Abharis (Berhanu)
I have, even if I did not get good harvest.
Hebtoi son of Hada was born from the first wife. His sons are Asekih, Gedlom, Ekubas, and
Ekuba Kristos. Asekeh was a strong man and good judge, and rich that even his dogs had
Heromai (identifying marks) tied on their necks.
Tes-en son of Hada had sons Hezbai and Hankil. Hankil had Weri-seb, and Hezbai had
Gered. Gered?s son was Atoshim who had Shebot who had Gered and Jemi?. Gered had
Hizbai and Atoshim. And Atoshim had Ejel. Idris, Shebot, Gehir,and Hashel. And Hezbai had
Abrehe, Haris, Isaak, Fekak, and Malek.
From the sons of Tarke, Begedai held to his land. Gebru too held to his land. But Satifa who
had crossed to Musha has become extinct that his brothers divided his land among
themselves.
At the land of Lemechelli was a water well (Ila) where the cattle Ber’ed (kind of cattle) were
born as Denbay (without horns). The neighboring villages wanted to drink from that well and
were forbidden by them that they fought and some were killed. From that day on, the well
became dry.
This way the sons of Tarke became plenty and became holders of the land.
Fn. Ato Gebru adds the first sons of Hada as Sa’r Amba as the first, and Afrehom from another
woman. In another book it states that Hada and group were striken by Malaria in Barka land.
And that is where Hada learnt of the aristocrat and serf system. This should not be taken as
wholly correct history.
This is the Mosque in Beskdira?
Who can tell the history
of this place?
Who can tell the history
of this place?
Other examples:
* Mariam Deari
* O'nna
* krn malenaK ( krma when going to Ashera)
* Tnqulahas
* Mariam Tinqulehas/Fatima
* Amberes
* Halib JluT
* Embaselase
* Shalku
* Halhal
* Tantarwa
* Ashi-dira (asha-dira) ……. etc
* Mariam Deari
* O'nna
* krn malenaK ( krma when going to Ashera)
* Tnqulahas
* Mariam Tinqulehas/Fatima
* Amberes
* Halib JluT
* Embaselase
* Shalku
* Halhal
* Tantarwa
* Ashi-dira (asha-dira) ……. etc
Debanma Blin Culture
Morning sunrise view early in the morning beyond Ira. Photo taken from Halibmentel
December 1993.
Every sunrise is another brighter day for vibrations of culture. People start singing, telling
stories, myth, and so forth.
December 1993.
Every sunrise is another brighter day for vibrations of culture. People start singing, telling
stories, myth, and so forth.
A view from Halibmentel, (village)
Day progresses so gentle,
Light rising up the hills,
Morning glory that heals,
Aching bones of old and frail,
Walk out for morning sun sail,
Exchange morning greetings,
Warn the young of wrong doings.
(Mowes 14/4/04, London)
Day progresses so gentle,
Light rising up the hills,
Morning glory that heals,
Aching bones of old and frail,
Walk out for morning sun sail,
Exchange morning greetings,
Warn the young of wrong doings.
(Mowes 14/4/04, London)
Tidqa: (teteqna – verb): palm tree leaves are used in
making most of the household materials: including
mats of all sizes, bags, milk and water containers,
beds, stools, chairs, hats, boxes, various types of food
containers and food accessories, fans, hats, ropes,
decorations. Simply you name it, using these leaves,
the Blin girls and mothers make it.
In the picture you see a (washaka) simple mat parts
being woven.
The amazing thing about this skill is that it creates a
industry which kept moving on and more new crafts
being developed from it form generation to generation.
Much gift materials, are made from it and nowdays they
even introduced other materials other than the palm
tree leaves. There single or combinations and variety of
colours which is sbaq (paint) and they prepare their
own colours by themselves. More coming on this
subject.
making most of the household materials: including
mats of all sizes, bags, milk and water containers,
beds, stools, chairs, hats, boxes, various types of food
containers and food accessories, fans, hats, ropes,
decorations. Simply you name it, using these leaves,
the Blin girls and mothers make it.
In the picture you see a (washaka) simple mat parts
being woven.
The amazing thing about this skill is that it creates a
industry which kept moving on and more new crafts
being developed from it form generation to generation.
Much gift materials, are made from it and nowdays they
even introduced other materials other than the palm
tree leaves. There single or combinations and variety of
colours which is sbaq (paint) and they prepare their
own colours by themselves. More coming on this
subject.
Blin Wedding
Serious debate, accountability, and respect is
displayed during this procession.
Ses’e’t or Shellil (head dance): is a women dance
and it is performed by swaying head sideways
continuously effectly moving the hair creating wavy
hair movements. It is probably the most nostalgic,
sentimental as well as emotions raising dance.
fjan (a small coffee cup). Boun (coffee) is drunk for
centuries.
There is nothing like coffee when first arrive home or
visit someones home.
Serious debate, accountability, and respect is
displayed during this procession.
Ses’e’t or Shellil (head dance): is a women dance
and it is performed by swaying head sideways
continuously effectly moving the hair creating wavy
hair movements. It is probably the most nostalgic,
sentimental as well as emotions raising dance.
fjan (a small coffee cup). Boun (coffee) is drunk for
centuries.
There is nothing like coffee when first arrive home or
visit someones home.
Debanma Blin habitat
" Some common trees that grow in the Blin habitat. Can you recognise any of them?."