Nao in Ethiopia
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Map Source:
Amanuel Getachew Mamo
|
| People Name: | Nao |
| Country: | Ethiopia |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 19,000 |
| World Population: | 19,000 |
| Primary Language: | Nayi |
| Primary Religion: | Ethnic Religions |
| Christian Adherents: | 10.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.41 % |
| Scripture: | Translation Started |
| Ministry Resources: | No |
| Jesus Film: | No |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | Omotic |
| Affinity Bloc: | Horn of Africa Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The Naos are part of the Gimira cluster which includes the Dizi, the Tsara, the Benesho and the She. They and the Nao and the others in the Gimira cluster, inhabit the extreme southern and southwestern reaches of the densely forested Kaffa highlands of southwestern Ethiopia. They reside in an altitude of 1500-2500 meters which is not easily accessible. As opposed to the Dizi, the Benesho and others who are migrants to the area, the Nao together with the Tsara were the indigenous inhabitants of the land. They speak Nayi language, an Omotic language which has 58% lexical similarity with Diizin.
What Are Their Lives Like?
The Nao subsist by farming. They supplement their diet through fishing and also gathering fruits and vegetables. The Nao were strong and numerous people and had their own kingdom before their active colonization by the Kaffa Kingdom in the mid 19th century. They are now reduced to a smaller number through the war and slavery they were subjected to. The active "Kaffanization" of their culture and language has played a role in their near extinction as a people group.
What Are Their Beliefs?
The Muong practice their traditional ethnic religion, worshiping ancestral spirits and other supernatural deities. They are primarily animists, which means that they believe that non-living objects have spirits. They also deify local heroes who have died and worship ancestral spirits. A prominent feature in each Muong home is the altar, which is built in honor of their ancestors. Their faith in folk beliefs have diminished because of the introduction of modern medicine.
What Are Their Needs?
The Muong people need the chance to hear and respond to the Christian gospel. As it stands, they put their faith in the spirit world rather than the King of kings.
Prayer Points
Pray for the Lord to bless the Nao people in every way.
Ask the Lord to reach these marginalized and geographically inaccessible people for his glory.
Pray to the Lord to send laborers to the field.
Pray to the Lord to provide evangelistic resources in their language.