The Name “Gambela”: A Historical and Cultural Investigation.
In Part One, I discussed the complexities and ambiguities surrounding the name Gambela (or Gambella), particularly the confusion arising from limited written records and differing oral accounts, many of which present two or more interpretations of its meaning. In this continuation, I focus on exploring why the name “Gambela” gained prominence and how the region ultimately came to bear this name. Contrary to popular belief, the name did not originate in 1905. Substantial historical and cultural evidence suggests that “Gambela” was already in use by the mid-1800s, if not earlier.
Early Evidence of the Name “Gambela”
One of the earliest documented references to “Gambela” comes from Major H. H. Austin, a British officer who visited the region in 1900 during the Anglo-Ethiopian border demarcation. In his travelogue Among Swamps and Giants in Equatorial Africa, he recounts entering Anywaa territory and being led to what locals already referred to as the “Gambela district.” He writes: “The Galla we had seen turned up with a sheep for sale, and agreed to accompany us to the Gambela district.” (p. 20) This citation confirms that the name “Gambela” was well established by 1900, predating the formal customs post established in 1905.
Equally important is the body of oral history linking the name to a respected Anywaa (Anuak) elder. Bernhard Lindahl, in his Local History of Ethiopia (Nordic Africa Institute), states: “The place was named for Gambela, a hundred-year-old Anuak chief who lived alone in a hut.” Okoth Owity’s Destruction of the Anyuak Kingdom echoes the same account: “Gambella was named after an Anyuak chief. He was 100 years old.” (p. 149). Additionally, a philatelic article by Ken Doig in Menelik’s Journal references this naming origin, and Shadow in the Grass recounts how Ahmad Effendi Rifat the first Sudanese customs officer in 1905 was told the area bore the name of an elderly, solitary chief residing in a tukl (traditional hut).
These independent sources, ranging from colonial records to local oral traditions, demonstrate that the name “Gambela” was neither invented by colonial officers nor arbitrarily assigned. Rather, it was rooted in indigenous memory and Anuak leadership.
From Itang to Gambela: The Shift in Regional Importance
Initially, the Sudanese government established its customs post in Itang. However, due to logistical challenges in transporting goods from the Ethiopian highlands, the post was relocated to Gambela in 1905. As Lindahl notes: “The shift was due to problems of transport people, donkeys, and goods (mainly coffee) were coming from central Ethiopia.” This move transformed Gambela into a commercial and administrative hub. The customs post facilitated trade in coffee, hides, and beeswax in exchange for Sudanese salt and textiles. It also marked the beginning of a structured governmental presence in the area. While the Sudanese ran the post for the first 15 years, British authorities assumed full control in 1921, though Sudanese staff remained.
Why the Name “Gambela” Became Prominent
The prominence of “Gambela” arose not merely from its indigenous origins but also from its institutional adoption. The name appeared on official correspondence, administrative logs, postage stamps, and colonial-era maps. This usage by Sudanese and British administrators gave the name permanence in bureaucratic and cartographic records.
As a river port and gateway for Ethiopian coffee exports, Gambela became a contact zone for multiple ethnic groups, merchants, and settlers. Its strategic and commercial significance ensured the name spread regionally and internationally, eventually overshadowing earlier names such as Itang.
Linguistic and Cultural Roots: A Nickname from the Anywaa
I strongly believe that Gambela is not a conventional personal name, but rather a nickname consistent with Anywaa (Anuak) cultural traditions. In Anywaa society, it is considered impolite to refer to elders by their real names. Instead, community members use respectful or symbolic nicknames, examples include Nyabg-Otaal, Arong, Gam-Jot, Baar-Luum, Gam-Abila, among others. These names are often derived from character traits, lineage, or personal history.
This naming custom suggests that “Gambela” was likely a locally given honorific bestowed upon an elderly Anuak chief known for his wisdom or leadership. The oral testimonies collected from community members further support this view.
Ongoing Research
My research continues to affirm that “Gambela” has deep indigenous roots, rather than being a colonial imposition. The convergence of oral history, British and Sudanese records, anthropological writings, and even philatelic sources strengthens this position.
I am now focused on identifying archival materials, travel diaries, and administrative documents from 1850 to 1905 to further trace the name’s early usage and geographical references. This work aims to bridge the gap between historical documentation and oral tradition.
I extend my sincere thanks to all those who have supported this research. During interviews, I discovered that many members of our community are aware of the origins of the name Gambela, yet some remain hesitant to share their knowledge publicly, especially on social media. To those who accepted my invitation for interviews: your voices are vital. Your perspectives have enriched this investigation and are helping to preserve the cultural identity and historical memory of the Anywaa people.