Socialization, symbolism, and social structure: aspects of traditional pottery making among the Jimma Oromo, Western Oromia

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Periodical article

Title:	Socialization, symbolism, and social structure: aspects of traditional pottery making among the Jimma Oromo, Western Oromia
Author:	Wayessa, Bula S.
Year:	2011
Periodical:	The journal of Oromo studies
Volume:	17
Issue:	2
Pages:	75-100
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Ethiopia
Subjects:	pottery material culture customs Oromo Jimma polity
Abstract:	This paper argues that it is critically important to pursue ethnoarchaeological studies of the technical, social and commercial aspects of traditional African pottery making technology before it vanishes. The paper contributes towards bridging the patchy nature of such research in Ethiopia, focusing on the social aspects of traditional pottery making in Jimma with special emphasis on Seka Chekorsa district. It examines the major types of pottery vessels and underlying factors for the continuity of pottery technology in the region irrespective of the decline of traditional pottery making worldwide. It also explores the social aspects of pottery making by dealing with symbolism and prohibitions around pottery and linked metaphors. Bibliogr., notes, ref. [ASC Leiden abstract]