High in the Guge Mountains overlooking Lake Abaya and Lake Chamo, the Dorze people have cultivated a unique and sustainable way of life. They are renowned throughout Ethiopia for two things: their mastery of weaving and their remarkable beehive-shaped houses.
The Dorze are exceptional weavers of cotton. Using traditional handlooms, they create some of the finest and most colorful textiles in the country, known as 'shammas' and 'gabis'. The vibrant patterns are not just decorative; they often tell stories and represent the weaver's skill and creativity. This craft is a primary source of income and a point of immense pride for the community.
Equally impressive are their houses, constructed entirely from organic materials like bamboo and enset (false banana) leaves. These tall, domed structures can stand for up to 60 years. As termites consume the base, the house gradually shrinks. When it becomes too small, it is simply dismantled and a new one is built, a perfect example of sustainable architecture.