Constructing black Jews: genetic tests and the Lemba--the 'black Jews' of South Africa

Dev World Bioeth. 2003 Dec;3(2):112-8. doi: 10.1046/j.1471-8731.2003.00066.x.

Abstract

This commentary examines the use of Y-chromosome testing to reconstruct a genetic ancestry for the Lemba, a group in southern Africa that has long considered itself Jewish. The commentary looks especially at the reasons why this project drew such attention from the mainstream media.

Publication types

  • Historical Article

MeSH terms

  • Black People / genetics*
  • Face
  • Genetic Research*
  • Genetic Testing*
  • Genetics, Population* / methods
  • History, 19th Century
  • Humans
  • Jews / genetics*
  • Judaism
  • Male
  • Mass Media
  • Middle East / ethnology
  • Pedigree*
  • Social Change
  • Social Identification
  • South Africa
  • Zimbabwe