A Zimbabwean tribe who assert their identity as a lost tribe of Israelites have recently had their claims validated through DNA testing. The Lembas of Zimbabwe and South Africa have a number of observances and practices similar to Judaism. They eschew pork and bloody meat, practice ritual circumcision, and scribe the star of David on their tombs.
The DNA tests confirm the Lemba’s claims that a small group of settlers married African women some 2500 years ago (Lemba women do not have Jewish DNA) The Lemba are just one of several Jewish ‘tribes’ discovered via DNA testing.
The Lemba also claim to own a relic linked to the Ark of the Covenant.
See also:
‘Lost Tribe’ returns to Israel, about the return of India’s Bnei Manashe
Ethiopian Jews: trapped in-between
