Malea

The Malea nationality mainly settles in the previous Bako-Gather and the current Malea district of the zone. In addition to this it lives in Gamo Gofa zones Uba DebraTsehay and Keba districts with other nationalities. It is believed that the name of the nationality "Malea" comes from "Maluka" leader of the nationality in ancient times. The Maleas call their present settlement "MaleaAwaki". Its meaning is land of the Maleas origin. Falkloric evidences show that The Malea nationality is the result of unity of different parts of the community of indigenous people.
Groups from Busa /Found in Derashe special District/, Ari, Gamo, Zargula areas and Benna united to have the Malea nationality. In another way, before the settlement of the afore mentioned social groups in the area, there lived "Pulasha" tribe in the area. And it is believed it came from the ground in oral tradition. The Makuna Goda tribe is the remains of this indigenous tribe according to the tradition of the nationality.
However, the largest exodus so far with a great role was that of Busa tribe according to evidences. That is why the Maleas bring heifer and honey from Busa (Derashe Special District) for enthronement and funeral. This consolidates the oral history about the origin of the Malea nationality.
Malea language is the mother tongue for the nationality. It is an Omotic language. Members of the nationality in addition to Malea, speak Gofan language as a second language. Their main livelihood is mainly that of agriculture , rearing and bee keeping.

Cultural Administrative System

The Malea nationality have their own cultural administrative system." Kaiti is the title in which the cultural administrations highest authority is called. He is also believed to have spiritual power. Because of this according to the nationalitys culture he doesnt till the ground. He is not allowed to eat chicken. He goes on a road which is determined for him. He is not allowed to go on any other road. He is not allowed to do these and other forbidden activities.
The "Katis" are derived only from "Karnay" tribe. The authority of the Kati is transferred from generation to generation based on inheritance.
Goda, Kafto and Toyid are organizational structures of The Malea next to The King Kati. But Goda is nearer to the king in title and authority. The name Goda is given to the 13 tribe leaders of the nationality. Even though the 13tribe leaders are called using this name, all do not have equal authority. Among the 13 tribes those who are with greater authority are "Makena Geda" and "Bala Gada".
Even from the two Makena Geda" is higher in power. "Gato" is another source of power. He is spiritual and administrative leader responsible to Goda. His main duty is to follow spiritual and administrative affairs of the neighbourhood in which the nationality lives. He channels these so as the cases get decisions.
In these traditional (cultural) administrative structures family affairs is seen by Koidys. As the Koidys are family leaders. They have the authority to attend every family affair and give justice. Every member of the community especially the youth learn about the cultural administrative system from Koidys.