| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 20,103[1] | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
 Kenya, Somalia | |
| Languages | |
| Aweer,Somali (In Somalia) | |
| Religion | |
| PredominantlySunni Islam[2] | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| OtherCushitic-speaking peoples, especiallyGarre |
TheAweer (also known as theBoni andSanye) are aCushitic ethnic group inhabiting theCoast Province in southeasternKenya. Some members are also found in southernSomalia. They are indigenous foragers, traditionally subsisting on hunting, gathering, and collecting honey.
Evidence suggests that the Aweer/Boni, along with the related Dahalo and Wata, are remnants of the earlyBushman hunter-gatherer inhabitants of Eastern Africa. According to linguistic, anthropological and other data, these groups later came under the influence and adopted theAfro-Asiatic languages of theEastern andSouthern Cushitic peoples who moved into the area.Dahalo has consequently retained some of the characteristicclick sounds of theKhoisan languages.[3]
The Aweer have historically been known in the literature asBoni orSanye, both of which are derogatory terms for low-caste groups.[2][4] Their lives were drastically changed when the Kenyan government curtailed their traditional way of life in the 1960s, forcing them to settle in villages along the Hindi-Kiunga Road, between theBoni National Reserve and theDodori National Reserve.[5] Although the majority of the Aweer settled in villages located in this corridor between the two reserves, some established themselves in nearbyBajuni villages.
Today, the Aweer in Kenya have been encouraged to adopt farming as their main livelihood.[2] However, they also continue to engage in many of their traditional hunter-gatherer practices, utilizing the nearby forests for the collection of wild honey, plants for traditional medicine and building materials, and bush meat to supplement their diets. With laws banning the hunting of all wildlife in Kenya, the Aweer's traditional way of life is in danger.[6] Although Aweer overwhelmingly reside in the East African nation of Kenya, due to the Aweer's traditional dwellings along the protuberant coastline, the Aweer, as well as other inhabitants of Lamu County are sometimes referred to asHorners.[7]
According to the 2019 Kenyan population census, around 20,103 Aweer live in Kenya, where they are an officially recognized group. They have traditionally been concentrated in forests in theCoast Province, particularly theLamu andTana River districts.[1]
Some Aweer also inhabit southern Somalia'sBadhade district.[8]
The Aweer speak theAweer language, also known as Boni. It belongs to theCushitic branch of theAfro-Asiatic family.[2]
According toEthnologue, there are around 8,000 speakers of Aweer/Boni. Most are bilingual and speak the languages of their immediate neighbors, with about 20% speaking only Aweer.[2]
Aweer linguistically resemblesGarre, but the speakers are physically and culturally unalike.[9] The language is believed to be threatened by extinction.[4]
The Aweer historically practisedtraditional faiths such asWaaqism, though most have today adoptedIslam.[2]
