The Cushites are an ethnic group of people who resemble the Ethiopians or early Egyptians in appearance. The early historians termed them Hamites and some books today describe them as people of Afro-Asiatic origin. In Tanzania the largest Cushitic group is the Iraqw of the Mbulu Highlands. They are both cultivators and livestock keepers, and very good athletes. When not in the farm, Iraqw women practice their handicraft skills. One of the things they make is their traditional baskets special for their fashion of carrying luggage on the back.

The traditional identity of Iraqw dressing is the Mgorori. This is a big piece of cloth, normally three meters long, that is worn over the usual clothing, more or less like a cloak. There are several ways that they wrap themselves with this piece of cloth but when they are at work, or when walking fast, they just hang it round their necks. Normally, an Iraqw man will carry a stick. This practice begins right in the boyhood years. This tribal stick, hharrah is distinct from the herding stick and is also a weapon.

Perhaps the greatest contribution of the Iraqw to Tanzania is their reputable supply of runners to represent the country in famous international competitions. Since independence most of the athletes who flew abroad to vie for Olympics, Commonwealth and other international medals have been men of Iraqw blood and ardour. The medals won in international competitions this year include the 19-year-old Fabiano Naasi’s gold medal in the IAAF World Half Marathon Championship held in Edmonton Canada and Rogath Steven Akhwari’s gold and silver medals in Pretoria South Africa in the SARPCCO Games. In the last Commonwealth Games, Francis Naali brought the only gold medal for Tanzania.