The Negede Weyto are a marginalised, minority community, primarily located along the shores of Lake Tana in the Amhara region. Historically, they have been outcast by the dominant Amhara population due to their traditional occupations and cultural practices. They do not own land and are often forced to relocate their settlements of clay-and-thatch huts (tip to family 600 ETB for a visit).
Historically, the Negede Weyto were primarily hunters of hippopotami and crocodiles, as well as leather workers. Due to the decline of hippo populations in the mid-20th century, their livelihoods shifted towards fishing, making papyrus reed boats, and basket weaving. Most Weyto are Muslim. However, many also maintain elements of their traditional beliefs, including the veneration of the Nile River spirit, which has led to them being viewed as non-canonical Muslims by their neighbours.
The primary reason for their social exclusion is their past practice of hunting and eating hippopotamus meat, which is considered ritually unclean by their Amhara Orthodox Christian and Muslim society. Even though they stopped hunting hippos decades ago, this stigma persists.
