On the first appearance of these people in Abyssinia, they were a very wild and warlike people; and had they been united under one chieftain, would soon have CONQUERED ABYSSINIA AND THE WHOLE OF EAST AFRICA. But when they had seized upon the finest Abyssinian provinces by means of their numerous cavalry, they began to dispute and fight among themselves for what they had conquered: this hindered their further progress, and made the subjugation of their divided an easy matter to the Abyssinian rulers.
The Oromos in general have a manly appearance; they are tall, athletic, and of a fierce countenance, rendered still more wild in appearance by the long hair which hangs in plaits over their shoulders. They anoint their body and long upper garment with butter; their weapons are spear, sword, and shield. Only the Mohammedan Oromos in the north fo Shoa have learned the use of fire-arms, by their intercourse with Christian Abyssinia.
The Oromos are in the habit of going abroad only on horse-back, as it is considered a disgrace with them to go on foot.
Their country is genrally very fertile and beautiful, and the climate fine. What a beautiful country would Ormania be, if it were blessed with the influence of Christianity and of Christian civilization!
The Oromos are generally of a dark brown color. Owing to their handsome features and superior intellectual qualities, they fetch a higher price in the slave markets than other East Aricans.''
[Pauline Fatme, First Fruits of the Gallas to Christ Jesus. Translated ... by Dr. Krapf. Revised and edited by J. E. Dalton
Published in 1857: pages 7-10]
