The Hammer-Banna are primarily herdsmen who inhabit the highlands east of the Omo River and north of Lake Turkana in southwestern Ethiopia. This area, called the Lower Omo region, has remained one of the most inaccessible and least developed parts of East Africa.
The Hammer-Banna consist of two separate ethnic groups (Hamer and Banna) that speak virtually the same language. They call themselves by their group name (either Hamer or Banna). Most of the Banna in southwestern Ethiopia speak Hamer-Banna, but those in Sudan speak Sudanese Arabic.
The Hamar of Sudan are primarily herdsmen. Their herds consist mainly of cattle, though there are some herds of sheep and goats. Camels are used for riding and as pack animals. Most Hamar also grow sorghum, the staple crop, and some plant sesame and beans. The crops are usually left unattended; thus, yields are low and insufficient.
The Hamar live in camps that consist of several related families. The families live in tents arranged in a circle, and the cattle are brought into the center of the camp at night. When the campsite is being set up, beds for the women and young children are built first; then the tent frame is built around it. The tents are constructed with flexible poles set in the ground in a circular pattern. The poles are bent upward, joining at the top, then tied. The structures are covered with thatch during the dry season and canvas mats during the rainy season. Men and older boys usually sleep on cots in the center of the camp, near the cattle.
The Hamar celebrate life-stage transitions. Marriage celebrations include feasting, dancing, and courting opportunities for young people. Marriages are traditionally endogamous (marriage within a small social circle) and are frequently polygynous (having more than one wife). With help from his near relatives the husband provides “bride-wealth” of cattle and other goods.
The primary domestic unit is a woman and her young children, with a male protector. A man may be the protector of more than one household, depending on the number of wives he has. Also, men are sometimes assigned the responsibility of protecting a divorced woman, a widow, or the wife of an absent husband (usually his brother).
In theory the Hamar are Muslim, but for many, Islam has not become internalized. Various elements from their traditional religion still exist. Before converting to Islam, they worshipped a supreme sky god. The belief that objects such as trees, springs and rocks have indwelling spirits still lives on. They also believe in jinnis, or spirits that are capable of assuming human or animal form and exercising supernatural influence over people.
Sudan is a nation wracked by war. It is difficult to get food and medical supplies into remote parts of that country. The Hamar people are suffering like the rest of the Sudanese population because of the fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Over 14 million have been displaced in Sudan as a result of their unwillingness to consider the needs of the people in Sudan. This situation affects everyone in that country, though those who live in remote areas like the Hamar are least affected.
Pray for God’s protection of the Hamar and other ethnic groups that must deal with the fighting in Sudan.
Ask God to anoint the spiritual ears of the Hamar as they listen to Christian recordings in their language.
Pray that God will protect the few Hamar believers and use them to win and disciple others in the faith.
Pray the Holy Spirit will give Hamar people a craving for spiritual truth that will leave them looking for the sin-forgiving savior.
Scripture Prayers for the Hamar in Sudan.
https://www.npr.org/2024/11/01/nx-s1-5168376/sudan-khartoum-ombdurman-war-africa
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
