Sandawe << SAHN dah way >> are a people of Africa living in the hilly lands of northeastern Tanzania , south of Lake Eyasi and Lake Manyara. Today, fewer than 50,000 Sandawe live in this region. Genetic studies show that the Sandawe and the nearby Hadza people are among the most ancient ethnic groups in the world.
Until the mid-1900’s, Sandawe people lived by hunting animals and gathering wild plant foods. They lived in small groups in which members were related by kinship or marriage. Groups moved often, building simple shelters in areas where game were plentiful.
Traditionally, the Sandawe were animists (worshipers of ancestors and spirits). The moon has special significance in Sandawe religious beliefs. Today, some Sandawe have been influenced by Christianity or Islam.
Since the mid-1900’s, the government of Tanzania has encouraged Sandawe to settle in villages. Many Sandawe now own cattle and cultivate small farms. However, Sandawe men still hunt wild animals, including antelope and wild pigs. In the past, Sandawe men hunted larger animals, including elephants. Men also gather honey from wild hives. Women gather wild fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Traditionally, wild tubers (root vegetables) served as an important part of the Sandawe diet. In the past, women gathered these using wooden digging sticks.
The Sandawe and Hadza are the only peoples in East Africa who speak Khoisan languages . Khoisan languages are characterized by clicking sounds. Different kinds of clicks account for about half of the consonants in these languages. Many words begin with clicks. Sandawe language is related to other Khoisan languages of southern Africa. Scholars believe that such languages were much more widespread throughout Africa in the past.
