Lifestyle and Culture
The Irob are divided into three major subgroups or Are (House): Adgadi-Are, Buknaiti-Are and Hasaballa. The Adgadi-Are and Hasaballa are predominantly Orthodox Christians, while Bouknaiti-Are consist of Catholics.
The Irob economy is primarily based on agriculture, including animal husbandry. The region is also renowned for its excellent honey. In fact, the Miess /Tej or local "Beer"(honey-wine) made from the honey is praised throughout the region for its quality.
In general, the Irob are a bi-cultural community. With their Saho-speaking neighbors, they share a common language and certain social structures, such as a clan division system called Mela, and the title Ona for their regional leaders. Many other cultural practices, including wedding ceremonies, dress, dance, and food; however, are more similar to their Tigrigna-speaking neighbors specially with the peoples of Agame.
Irobs also have distinctive customs. For example, they have an elaborate poetry-telling tradition called Adar. Also, the Irob men have a dance/step routine called Hora and Alkafo, which was traditionally performed in preparation for battles and still commonly displayed during weddings and other ceremonies.
Read more about this topic: Irob People
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