Group: Ethiopid Local Type
Ethiopid subtype of the central Ethiopian highlands and their surroundings. Found in its purest form among Oromos. Also in other Cushitic speakers like Somalis, Borana, Konso, and Sidama, here often more mixed. Some individuals of Shinasha or Borana tribes may show an extraordinarily fair skin tone, while the more western tribes are darker, usually due to Nilotid admixture. Traces reach to South Kenya (e.g. Kikuyu, Kamba).
Central Ethiopid displays a distinctive combination of features adapted to the highland environment of central Ethiopia. The skin is medium to dark reddish-brown, often with tight-curly hair typical of African populations. The stature is medium to tall with a brachyskelic (short-legged) proportion and ectomorph to mesomorph build. The skull is mesocephalic, rarely brachycephalic, and orthocranic (medium height), notably smaller-headed than the North Ethiopid variety. The straight or convex nose is lepto-mesorrhine (narrow to medium) and relatively high. Full lips contrast with a strong chin. Ears are small, and prognathism is usually absent, distinguishing this type from more western African populations.
The Central Ethiopid type has been described and defined by several anthropologists throughout the 20th century, with varying interpretations of its relationship to other Ethiopian populations.
