Terefe Mitiku

This research dealt with hora (salty mineral water) and its ritualistic aspect among the Maccaa Oromo. It aims at exploring the hora (salty mineral water) and its ritualistic contents in social and natural environments of the Maccaa Oromo. The study areas were purposively selected based on its historical background and valuable information related with hora obaasuu and its ritual and there are some hora sites in West Shawa zone. Accordingly 13 respondents from three Aanaas (districts) participated in the study. The respondents were purposively selected depending on their age and experience in using the hora. This study revealed that the major hora used by the Maccaa Oromo were hora Sanqallee, hora Amboo, hora Weessoo, hora Gur’uu Fadii, hora Bilandoo and hora Baaduu. According to the Maccaa Oromo’s world view, hora (mineral water) is believed as clean and as extraordinary water with the purifying and curing power. However most of these horas and ritual which attached to them are bei...

Conflict is a natural and unavoidable part of human existence. It is resulting from individual or groups that differ in attitude, beliefs, values or needs. This study explored Contemporary Practices of Customary Conflict Resolution Mechanism in and around Ambo district. The study answered the following basic questions: What are the roles of Bokkuu centers in handling conflict/disputes? How did the Bokkuu centers resolve conflict/disputes? Who are the main actors that guide the conflict resolution procedure at the Bokkuu centers? What types of conflict is resolved at the three Bokkuu centers? Qualitative research methods were used to understand the complexity of Oromo cultural peacemaking and how this takes shape within the culture of the Oromo custom. Techniques of collecting data were interviewing knowledgeable elders, field observation, and Focused Group Discussion were employed. The study discovers that the participants of the study agree that cultural conflict resolution are mor...