Rahamna (Arabic: الرحامنة), also spelled Rehamna, is a tribe of Arab descent that settled north of the Sahara between the 13th and 15th centuries. Its origins date back to the Yemenite tribe of Banu Ma'qil. Their people descend from one famous common ancestor, namely Rahmoun bin Rizq bin Oudi bin Hassan (Arabic: رحمون بن رزق بن أودي بن حسان).[1] The Rehamna, according to Professor Abdul Rahim al-Otri, is one of the Arab tribes that came to Morocco from the Arabian Peninsula through Egypt and Libya, then to Mauritania and Morocco, before settling in the Marrakesh-Al Haouz Region.[2] This cross-country migration gave the tribe a mixture of tribal origins and affiliations and created several clans composed of Arab, Berber (Amazigh) and African components.[3] The tribe, however, is divided into two main groups: the Arabs, and the “Saharans”, which are further divided by smaller groups.[4]
In 1525, they mobilized with Mohammed esh-Sheikh to fight the PortugueseinAgadir, Mogador, Safi and Mazagan. In the second half of the 16th century, they inhabited a vast plain north of Marrakesh. They are related to the Yagout tribe, who live in the Western Sahara.[5][6]
Like Bedouins, the Rahamna perform Tbourida, an equestrian performance which simulates a succession of military parades. The Rahamna believe that horses represent nobility and chivalry and are a blessing to the household even when drought and high prices halt the celebrations for several years. Both men and women partake in the performance.[7]
The Rehamna tribe is famous for their Bedouin musical style called “Aita,” which both men and women perform.[8] Their women often weave carpets, which is one of the identifying marks of the tribe.[9]
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