Zana, also known as Zanya or Zana of Abkhazia, is a figure who has captured the interest and curiosity of many researchers and scholars. She was believed to be a member of the Afro-Abkhazian community, a group of people of African descent living in the Caucasus region during the late 19th century. Specifically, they resided in and around the settlement of Adzyubzha on the eastern coast of the Black Sea.
The African Caucasians, as they were called, were a distinct community within the larger Abkhazian population. They were said to have African ancestry, likely due to the historical slave trade and migration patterns in the region. The exact origins and history of this African community in Abkhazia are still somewhat unclear and subject to ongoing research.
Zana herself became a notable figure due to claims made about her by Russian researcher Ivan Ivanovitch of the Moscow Academy of Sciences. In the early 20th century, Ivanovitch conducted an investigation into the existence of a “wild woman” captured in the Caucasus region. This woman was said to possess physical characteristics different from the local population, resembling those of a non-human primate.
According to Ivanovitch’s account, Zana was captured in the wilderness near the village of Tkhina in the late 1850s or early 1860s. She was described as being around six feet tall, covered in hair, with powerful physical strength. She was said to have lived in the wild, behaving more like an animal than a human.
Zana was eventually brought to live in the household of Edgi Genaba, a local nobleman. She was reportedly tamed over the years and integrated into human society, although she retained some of her wild behaviors. Zana allegedly had several children, some of whom survived and lived in the region.
Many aspects of Zana’s story remain shrouded in mystery and controversy. Some researchers argue that she may have been a member of a different ethnic group, such as the Almas or the Nekojin, who were believed to be a surviving population of Neanderthals or other ancient human species. Others propose that Zana may have had a genetic condition or disorder that caused her unique physical appearance and behavior.
Despite the lack of concrete evidence, Zana’s story continues to fascinate and intrigue both researchers and the general public. It serves as a reminder of the complex history of human migration, cultural exchange, and the diversity of human experiences. The search for answers about Zana’s true identity and origins is ongoing, as scientists continue to study her story and the genetic heritage of the Afro-Abkhazian community in Abkhazia.