Kohenim travelling south. The Queen of Sheba in Ethiopian and Lemba tradition

Abstract

Similar to oral traditions, written histories may exist in more than one version. The biblical story of the Queen of Sheba's visit to King Solomon has undergone an extensive elaboration in different literary traditions. Compared to the Jewish and Muslim legends, a fundamental change of atmosphere can be discerned in the Ethiopian version (Kebra Nagast). The story as recorded in the Kebra Nagast might have had an influence on the traditions of other African peoples. The Lemba in Southern Africa are a very specific group with unique traditions regarding Israelite origins. Their oral traditions provide more information than any written sources. The reciprocity between orality and inscripturation of traditions yields valuable information regarding the possible development of traditions in ancient Israel. This study attempts to make a contribution to our understanding of transculturation, indigenisation, and identity formation. It shows how the Lemba and Ethiopians have constructed their own iconography and set of beliefs around Biblical myths in the context of marginalisation among other African communities.