Archaeological Semiotics of Material Cultures of Gadaa Ritual Performances in Borana and Shewa Zones, Ethiopia

Abstract

This study documents the archaeological semiotics of the material cultures of Gadaa ritual performances in the Borana and Shewa Zones of Oromia. Gadaa is the Oromo traditional governance system recognized in 2016 by UNESCO as an intangible heritage of humanity. There has been limited archaeological semiotics research aimed at documenting and analyzing the material cultures of the Oromo. This study used a qualitative research approach and employed a purposive sampling technique to select participants. The findings indicate that Gadaa ritual objects have multiple iconic, indexical, and symbolic meanings. The results confirm both change and continuation in the use, production, function, and discard of traditional ritual objects. Changes are attributed to the influence of modern forms of governance and the expansion of plastic and metallic objects. Currently, the material cultures of Gadaa ritual performances are available and used at various Gadaa ceremonies, despite these changes. A post-processual approach was employed to interpret material culture. Indeed, the study recommends further archaeological investigation to detail the documentation and preservation of Gadaa ritual performances.