The Hadza and the Iraqw in northern Tanzania: Dermatographical, Anthropological, Odontometrical and Osteological Approaches

Abstract

The dermatoglyphics, physical measurements, tooth size and dental arch measurements of 4 populations of Mangola are analized and the racial affinities of earlier inhabitants are discussed based on the human remains excavated from Gishimangeda cave and Sechikuencho cairns. The Iraqw, Datoga and the Hadza were investigated as representing the Hamitic, Nilotic and the Khoisan speaking people. The Iraqw and Datoga bear a close resemblance in physical features to the other members of the Hamitic or Caucasians as well as the Bantu speakers, while the Datoga are closer to the Bantu than the Iraqw do. On the other hand, the Hadza are quite different from the Iraqw and Datoga, and approach mostly to the North Bushmen and fairly resemble the neighbouring Bantu tribes. The Gishimangeda and Sechikuencho skeletal series can be dated to probably the 13th or 14th century and 18th or 19th century respectively. They are in most essencials hybrid population between the Mediterraneans and the Negroes, but are closer to the latter. The living Mangola peoples with such mixed physical traits are the Iraqw or Datoga among 4 populations examined by us. The occupant of Mangola during several centuries ago, therefore, can be suggested as the Nilotic or the Hamitic peoples, probably the former. The Hadza has not been attached linguistically and physically to any definite people. There are no trace of early Khoisanoid in this region.