Somalis originate from the Horn of Africa. They are an indigenous African people with a distinct Cushitic heritage.
Somalis trace their ethnogenesis to the Horn of Africa, with evidence like the Laas Geel rock paintings (circa 9,000–3,000 BCE) showing early pastoralist cultures. These depict livestock herding, aligning with Somali traditions.
Somalis are ethnically Cushitic, part of the Afro-Asiatic family. Linguistic and genetic studies suggest their ancestors lived in the Horn for at least 7,000 years, descending from proto-Cushitic groups who domesticated livestock in the region.
Somali oral traditions claim origins from noble Arabian ancestors (e.g., Darod and Isaaq clan founders), but these are likely symbolic, reflecting Islamic ties rather than genetic reality. Genetic studies confirm Somalis are predominantly African, with minimal Eurasian admixture from trade with Arabs or Persians.