Current Issue

Current Issue

Volume:14 Issue:2Feb' 2025

THE SYMBOLIC REPRESENTATION OF WOLAITA CULTURAL HOUSES

Abstract

The primary objective of this study is to explore the symbolic representation of Wolaita cultural houses. To achieve this, a descriptive research design was employed, utilizing qualitative methods. Data were collected through unstructured and semi-structured interviews, participant and non-participant observation, and focus group discussions (FGDs). Key informants were selected from the Ofa, Sodo Zuriya, Humbo, and Kawo Koysha districts (woredas) of the Wolaita Zone using snowball and purposive sampling techniques. A total of 20 individuals participated in the data collection: 16 older men and 4 older women. They were chosen for their extensive knowledge of Wolaita cultural housing styles and their symbolic representations. The study’s findings revealed that socio-economic changes and the integrated development of urban and rural areas have profoundly impacted the development model of rural areas. These changes are reflected in adjustments to resident structures, shifts in production and lifestyles, evolving housing patterns, and altered urban-rural relations. Despite the influence of modernization on Wolaita’s cultural houses, the Wolaita people historically had four distinct housing styles: zufa, meeshuwa, burariya, and gulantta. While these traditional Wolaita houses appear similar externally, their internal structures differ significantly in design, layout, construction materials, and aesthetic values. The study also indicates a strong communal unity within the Wolaita ethnic group, primarily reflected in the materials used for house construction. Furthermore, the study showed that these housing styles developed after periods when people lived under trees, in caves, and within rocks of various shapes. Interestingly, the Wolaita cultural house is also connected to the spiritual world. The shapes of these four housing styles are believed to bestow blessings upon both men and women. This is particularly evident in a closet reserved for women, symbolizing potential grace, while men are primarily assigned to a dining room, where dignity and grace are attained by adhering to Wolaita cultural norms. The study’s results highlighted that, unlike many other local and foreign studies that link houses to unity, power relations, and interconnectedness, none connect them to the spiritual world in the same way. Therefore, the authors believe that adequate attention should be given to this indigenous housing style.

Sr No.	Article Information
1	THE SYMBOLIC REPRESENTATION OF WOLAITA CULTURAL HOUSES Author(s): Deneku Abere. View Abstract Page No : 123-148 DOI: https://doi.org/10.63469/jaal1421 Download pdf
2	ANIMAL DISEASES AND THE INDIGENOUS MEDICAL LORE IN WALLO Author(s): Assefa Balcha, Dagnachew Tolessa, & Fitsum Yussuf . View Abstract Page No : 149-164 DOI: https://doi.org/10.63469/jaal1422 Download pdf
3	TECHNOLOGY & MYTHOLOGY: POPULAR BELIEFS ABOUT ARTISANS IN THE SECOND TEMPLE PERIOD Author(s): Ephraim Isaac. View Abstract Page No : 165-180 DOI: https://doi.org/10.63469/jaal1423 Download pdf
4	THE REPERCUSSION OF SOCIO-CULTURAL PRACTICES ON ENVIRONMENTAL DESTRUCTIONS: THE CASE OF WOGÄRA AWRAJA, 1965–1985, NORTHWEST ETHIOPIA Author(s): Destaw Filatie Belay . View Abstract Page No : 181-204 DOI: https://doi.org/10.63469/jaal1424 Download pdf
5	THE ETHNIC TURN IN ACADEMIA Author(s): Daniel Kassahun Waktola. View Abstract Page No : 207-212 DOI: https://doi.org/10.63469/jaal1425 Download pdf
6	THE SCOURGE OF ETHNIC POLITICS IN ETHIOPIA: AN ANALYTICAL COMMENTARY Author(s): Muna Salih. View Abstract Page No : 213-224 DOI: https://doi.org/10.63469/jaal1426 Download pdf

Current Issue

Volume:14 Issue:2Feb' 2025

THE SYMBOLIC REPRESENTATION OF WOLAITA CULTURAL HOUSES

Abstract

ANIMAL DISEASES AND THE INDIGENOUS MEDICAL LORE IN WALLO

Abstract

TECHNOLOGY & MYTHOLOGY: POPULAR BELIEFS ABOUT ARTISANS IN THE SECOND TEMPLE PERIOD

Abstract

THE REPERCUSSION OF SOCIO-CULTURAL PRACTICES ON ENVIRONMENTAL DESTRUCTIONS: THE CASE OF WOGÄRA AWRAJA, 1965–1985, NORTHWEST ETHIOPIA

Abstract

THE ETHNIC TURN IN ACADEMIA

Abstract

THE SCOURGE OF ETHNIC POLITICS IN ETHIOPIA: AN ANALYTICAL COMMENTARY

Abstract

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JAAL

Volume:14 Issue:2Feb' 2025

THE SYMBOLIC REPRESENTATION OF WOLAITA CULTURAL HOUSES

Abstract

ANIMAL DISEASES AND THE INDIGENOUS MEDICAL LORE IN WALLO

Abstract

TECHNOLOGY & MYTHOLOGY: POPULAR BELIEFS ABOUT ARTISANS IN THE SECOND TEMPLE PERIOD

Abstract

THE REPERCUSSION OF SOCIO-CULTURAL PRACTICES ON ENVIRONMENTAL DESTRUCTIONS: THE CASE OF WOGÄRA AWRAJA, 1965–1985, NORTHWEST ETHIOPIA

Abstract

THE ETHNIC TURN IN ACADEMIA

Abstract

THE SCOURGE OF ETHNIC POLITICS IN ETHIOPIA: AN ANALYTICAL COMMENTARY

Abstract

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