Unpicking the concept of minimalism: The nomadic Cushite communities of Somaliland
To be a minimalist, what does this actually entail? Placing too much emphasis on what a person does or does not possess misses an opportunity to appreciate the importance of connection to surroundings. Looking at the history of the nomadic Cushite peoples of Somaliland, one can gauge a minimalism that is rooted in a strong connection to surroundings. From this connection abundance flourished in the form of the important knowledge that was shared concerning the ability to adapt to surroundings and be resourceful using tools provided by nature for various aspects in life. This approach also inspired other ways of recounting lessons from the past that were passed on through generations in a creative way.
The Cushites are a group that share linguistic commonalities, who primarily originate from the Horn of Africa, the Nile Valley as well as the Great Lakes region. For the purpose of this article, focus will be placed on the nomadic Cushite communities of Somaliland. The nomadic lifestyle of these groups saw an emphasis placed on passing on knowledge, as well as understanding and utilising elements of nature for self-preservation. This mindset encouraged a more proactive form of cultivation to aid the process of sustainability and educating others. Key aspects of this ideal in practice included:
Nature – A deep rooted understanding as well as a sense of alignment with nature saw many aspects of daily life featuring elements of surroundings. From knowledge of the type of tree to use in the process of building a house, to knowledge of how to create various pieces of homeware as well as jewellery. All were cultivated based on a strong understanding of surroundings and how to sustain a living based on this understanding. Herbs also featured in many aspects of daily life for holistic practices. Perceptions of vitality and abundance were forged from connections to surroundings. One example of this can be seen in the work of Dr Sada Mire concerning the wagar, “a symbol of fertility and part of a wider aesthetic of reproduction within Somali female society…made from a sacred tree considered to possess divine power”. It gives an indication of the perceived abundance of nature which was used to aid the process of nurturing abundance in a person’s life.
Poetry – When recounting his travels through present day Somalia on behalf of the British Royal Geographical Society in First footsteps in East Africa, Richard Burton noted the strong presence of poetry in shaping social relations “every man has his recognised position in literature as accurately defined…causing them to take the greatest pleasure in harmonious sounds and poetical expressions”. Different poetry styles were used to denote various social issues such as love, warfare, spirituality as well as politics. It was also used as a means to preserve and continue heritage, as Mary Jo Arnoldi explains in The Artistic Heritage of Somalia, “when a poem composed in the past is recited today, it is often accompanied by an introductory prose segment that explains the historical events the poet recorded in his verse”. Through the presence of poetry, we can gain a sense of the important role of oral traditions in retaining heritage.
The two examples reveal how placing emphasis on being in tune with natural surroundings and sharing knowledge aided the process of sustenance. We all have an ability to adopt a more simplified way of living, this can be achieved by using our time to learn from each other as well as from our surroundings.
Sources
Cultural heritage: a basic need – Sada Mire
‘The child that tiire doesn’t give you, God won’t give you either.’ The role of Rotheca myricoides in Somali fertility practices – Sada Mire
Wagar, Fertility and Phallic Stelae: Cushitic Sky-GodBelief and the Site of Saint Aw-Barkhadle, Somaliland – Sada Mire
The Artistic Heritage of Somalia – Mary Jo Arnoldi
First footsteps in East Africa – Richard Burton (1904)