Hadza << HAD zuh >> are a people of Africa living in the region surrounding Lake Eyasi in northern Tanzania . They are also called Tindiga. Only a little more than 1,000 Hadza remain today. Genetic studies show that Hadza are among the most ancient ethnic groups in the world. They are also among the few modern peoples who continue to practice a traditional lifestyle of hunting animals and gathering wild plant foods.
Hadza speak a language called Hadzane. It is one of several Khoisan languages spoken in Africa. Khoisan languages are characterized by clicking sounds. Several different clicks account for about half of the consonants in these languages. Many Hadzane words begin with clicks. Hadzane is distantly related to the Khoisan languages of the Sandawe in Tanzania and the San of southern Africa. However, these languages are distinct, and each language is not readily understood by speakers of the other languages. Scholars believe that such languages were much more widespread throughout Africa in the past.
Hadza traditionally live in camps of simple huts, with 20 to 40 residents related by kinship or marriage. Each day, members of the group decide where to search for food. They make decisions based on keen observation combined with expert knowledge of the plants and animals in their environment. The group usually moves the camp to a new location several times over the year.
Hadza men hunt a variety of animals using poison-tipped arrows. Hadza groups prize honey, which is usually collected by men from wild hives. Women gather wild plant foods, including berries, fruits of the baobab tree, nuts, and tubers (root vegetables). Women also occasionally catch small animals. Men may join women in gathering plant foods when hunting conditions are poor.
Since the 1900’s, governments of Tanzania have made many attempts to move Hadza into more permanent settlements. Many Hadza today live in such settlements, but they continue to maintain aspects of their traditional culture, including hunting and gathering.
