Some members of the Doma tribe in Kanyemba, northern Zimbabwe, have a genetic mutation uncommon: ectrodactyly, known as Lobster Claw Syndrome. This caused them to be jokingly nicknamed as “Ostrich People”.
The reason? The mutation results in a baby with only two toes, pointing inwards. The condition is autosomal dominant and resulting from a single mutation on chromosome 7.
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With this, the lower limbs resemble the paws of this bird. It is estimated that ectrodactyly is present in one in four children born in this tribe.
(Photo: Reproduction – YouTube, via Jornal Extra)
“People who looked like birds”
This is how members of the Doma tribe, also known as the VaDoma people, claim they were their ancestors. They even tell that they came from the stars. More precisely from the Sirius star system.
First, they would have established colonies on another planet within the Solar System called Liitolafisi, according to VaDoma culture. Then they came here and mixed their
DNA with women in the region. Therefore, their descendants had bird “feet”.Control
To prevent the genetic mutation from manifesting itself in more people, the tribe created a law that determines that marriages should only occur between its members.
Therefore, ectrodactyly has more incidence among the VaDoma than any other population in the world. However, the condition has also been documented in neighboring tribes such as the Talaunda or Talaote Kalanga.
Ectrodactyly is not seen as a disability
Despite having difficulty walking and running, the community does not consider the genetic mutation a disability. On the contrary, it is celebrated.
The tribe believes this is an advantage, as it allows them to climb trees more easily — a very useful skill for their members. With this, they can hunt better, gathering fish, honey, fruits and roots.
Graduated in Social Communication at the Federal University of Goiás. Passionate about digital media, pop culture, technology, politics and psychoanalysis.
