The Kunama, in colonial and early travellers’ books often referred to with the Arabic term ‘Bazen’, are an interesting people of mixed sedentary cultivators and herders in south-western Eritrea, along the Ethiopian border. Kunama are one of the most ancient peoples of Eritrea, numbering about 110,000, and have a distinguished social organization and unique culture. The Kunama language is of the Nilosaharan family (like Nara), and is well described since the late 19th century. Kunama culture is rich and unique, providing a specific identity for the people. It is manifested in songs, dance, oral tradition, customary law, decorative culture (e.g.: body scarification, basketry) and ritual practices. Their music is noted, and some female singers have national prominence.