Search

This paper examines how people reconstructed a socio-political system called the gadaa system, which has been declining for several generations, by focusing on cases of gadaa revival movements among the Arsi-Oromo. First, I describe the gadaa system of the Arsi based on observations of the gadaa practices, historical knowledge, and memories of gadaa collected from Arsi elders. Second, I show how the gadaa revival movements have been progressing in Baale and Western Arsi region. Third, I analyze a case of the gadaa revival movements in the Western Arsi region. This paper considers the dilemma faced by the Arsi people--oscillating between the clan and gadaa system--which is becoming stronger through the spread of the gadaa revival movements. As the "Arsi dilemma" amplifies in various places, the gadaa, which should have created regional communality and realised governance beyond clans, has been reconstructed as a clanoriented social group, creating a fragmented social system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of African Studies is the property of Japan Association for African Studies and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)