Archaeology and Heritage Management

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A Study of the Ethiopian National army Museum
(Addis Abeba Universty, 2023-06-01) Bergene Baleso; Kassaye Begashaw (PhD)
Museum history and collection management is one of the important processes for museums to be successful in their mission. It refers to the process of managing museum collections properly and increasing of effectiveness of the museums. It is the systematic mechanisms that regulate the museum collections to play towards the achievement of organizational goals. Ethiopian National Army Museum since its foundation in imperial Haile Selassie has over the years tried to accomplish a lot of objectives in its activities. The overall goal of this thesis is to conduct a study of the National Army Museum and to investigate the history and, functions of Museum documentation and collection management. The research approaches employed include both qualitative and quantitative research. The essential information was gathered from both primary and secondary sources, and it was thoroughly reviewed and interpreted. Questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussions, and observation were used to collect data for this. The primary results are that museum collection management, museum role; discontinuities, representation, legal frameworks, community participation, museum services, and organizational structure fall short of the intended norm set by (ICOM, and ICCROM). This study suggests that museum history and collection management be run and managed by professionals who carry out their duties in accordance with the basic principles of effective museum collection management policy and guidelines. As long as stringent and effective museum policies and guidelines are implemented, the National Army Museum will eventually be able to build proper standards of museum history and collection administration. As a result, the Ethiopian Army troops and the general public receive suitable, effective, and goal-oriented service.
Accessibility of Museum Collections for Visitors with Disability: A Case of Three Selected Museum in Addis Ababa
(Addis Abeba Universty, 2022-02-01) Abrham Tesfaye; Kassaye Begashaw (PhD)
Throughout the world, the cultural and educational roles of museums are growing. But many museums do not carefully consider people with disabilities as their visitors, for their buildings and communication accessibilities are very limited in designing museums for all people. However, in this regard, the overall conditions of the Ethiopian museums are hardly studied. Having this in mind, this study adopted case study research design and explored three museums found in Addis Ababa, namely Ethiopian National Museum, Institute of Ethiopian Studies Museum and Addis Ababa Museum, in relation to their accessibilities to disabled visitors, and compliance with universal design principles targeting disabled museum visitors. To this end, the research employed a multi-method approach to gather appropriate data, including site survey /observation, interviewing, photographing, analysis of secondary sources directed at gathering facts regarding the experiences and viewpoints of existing museum visitors with disabilities, and museum professionals; multiple aspects of disability access, such as physical accessibility, inclusive exhibition design, and communication accessibility in each selected museum. Consequently, the findings of the research show that the three museums comply reasonably well when it comes to approachability of their buildings. On the other hand, the findings of this study reveal that the facilities and services provided by the three museums investigated were not designed to benefit people with disabilities. The result of the study also shows that the physical contexts of the three museums’ exhibition spaces are not well planned and constructed to satisfy people with disability in terms of learning with convenience. In addition, the research found that the three museums investigated are not fully inclusive in creating a place and environment where the disabled visitors can access museum objects for several purposes, including education. For instance, none of the three museums have provisions for communication in sign language, Braille, tactile representations of some objects to make learning easier for hearing impaired and visually impaired visitors respectively. Thus, the research concludes that the three museums investigated are below average in light of fulfilling the requirements of accessibility guidelines, and being compliant with the Principle of Universal Design. Finally, this research recommends that the stated three museums and their stakeholders should carefully consider what they can do within their own limitations for disabled museum visitors to make each museum ameliorate its physical and communication barriers for disabled visitors and be inclusive. In addition, it is suggested that the three museums should adopt universal design principles, particularly as they relate to accessibility and usability requirements while retrofitting the existing ones.
Archaeological Investigation in Ahferom Woreda, Tigray: Ethiopia
(Addis Ababa University, 2014-06) Zerue, Kifle; Beldados, Alemseged(PhD)
This study has been attempted to assess and document the hitherto uninvestigated but potentially rich archaeological area of Ahferom Woreda, in central Tigray highland of northern Ethiopia. To this end, systematic reconnaissance survey, oral history, and typological analysis of ceramics as well as other archaeological remains have been done. Based on this, eight new archaeological sites have been discovered and documented. The study also provides key insights into settlement distributions and cultural traditions of the area. Most of the sites are strategically located along the traditional trade routes and in the place where abundant natural resources like high potential water flow is found for irrigation agriculture. This indicates ecological and socio-economic (trade) factors contribute for the development of ancient village settlements in the region. Decoration and color analysis of pottery along with other archaeological evidence show that period occupation of the three settlement sites has been dated from the earliest phase of first millennium BC to the Middle and/or late phase of the first Millennium AD. This suggests that they had experienced marked continuity in site occupation. Detailed study of settlement findings and ceramic artifact analysis from the five sites, on the other hand, reflects evidence of Pre-Aksumite period occupation. Bidirectional cultural interactions (locally and regionally) are also evident from typological analyses of ceramics, bronze ornaments, masonry architecture, and astonishing monolithic pillars. This study also presents the threats to the archaeological sites and archaeological objects. Moreover, it produced baseline data for future archaeological investigations and possible conservation works
An archaeological study of rock churches in Lasta, Northern Wollo
(Addis Ababa University, 2012-07) Ketema, Natnael; Begashaw, Kassaye(PhD)
Early churches constructed in Lasta from the sixth to the fifteenth century include churches built under protective roof of caves of different rock types and rock hewn churches excavated from largely volcanic rock with varying degree of detachment from bed rocks. The churches are believed to be hewn and constructed based on basilica architectural styles and adopting elements of Pre-Christian Axumite structures. The dates for the churches are highly depended on traditional sources. Based on these accounts more than seven churches in Lasta are established during the 6th century. Thus, they were built during the Axumite Kingdom. The expansion of the Axumite Kingdom to Lasta in the 6th century provided suitable ground for expansion of Christianity and resultant establishment of churches in the area. Cultural continuity between the Axum and the later periods is endured in rock churches of Lasta. Built up churches of Debre Damo, Yimrehane Kiristos and Imekina Medihanialem are churches product of different periods which show great resemblance to each other. There are also strong similarities in their plan and individual architectural elements of the churches of Bete Medihanialem and Genete Maryam. The churches remained hidden in mountainous landscape of Lasta. Through time some of the churches are deteriorated because of natural and manmade causes. Little is done to document, promote, conserve and research the churches. As a result the contribution of the tourism sector for development of the region and the country at large remained insignificant
An Archaeological Survey of Islamic Shrines in Jimma Zone, South western Ethiopia
(Addis Ababa University, 2012-06) Merga, Seyoum; Burka, Temesgen(PhD)
Islamic shrines are a sanctuary devoted to Muslim saints and used for ritual practices. As defined by Braukamper.U (2002), shrine is any man made sanctuary (sometimes associated with natural objects) devoted to a Muslim saint (wali). The custom of venerating saints and visiting their shrines is a common phenomena found in the Muslim world (Ishihara 2009). In Ethiopia, the presences of several shrines are typical proofs of the existence of a deep rooted tradition of venerating saints among the Muslim people. Islamic shrines in Ethiopia are not only a religious place, but are also important depositors of the pre-Islamic cultures of the indigenous communities (Trimingham 1965; Hussein 1994; Braukamper 2002; Kassaye 2009). Hence, Islamic shrines are important heritages used to understand cultural changes and continuities of the past and the present. However, due to the past socio-political and historical marginalization of Islam in Ethiopia, Islamic shrines have been studied very little. The previous researches conducted on Islamic shrines have been geographically and thematically limited. Consequently, shrines in the historically prominent Muslim lands (the five Gibe states) of the present day Jimma zone remained unstudied. Therefore, this paper presents archaeological survey research conducted on the Islamic shrine sites of Jimma zone. The study identified and documented two Islamic shrines namely; shrines of Sadeqiyo and Abba Arabu, located in Sokoru district and around Jimma town respectively. The shrines, being located near the former economic and administrative sites; have great significance to understand the history of Islamic relation with the past political and economic scenario of the area. In addition to this, the pre-Islamic Oromo cultural and ritual traditions are well preserved in the two shrines of Jimma zone. Albeit scholars such as Terje Ostebo (2009) claimed the ‘Islamaization of the pre-Islamic Oromo cultures’, the ritual performances conducted at the shrines of Arabu and Sadeqiyo, clearly indicates the ‘Oromization of Islamic religion’. Moreover, the shrines have actual and potential economic, scholastic, and cultural significances. Despite this fact, the shrines are presently endangered from deliberate anthropogenic actions as well as natural factors
Assement of the Organijation and Mangement of Functional Adult Literacy Program in Selected Woredas of West Harerghe Zone of Oromia
(Addis Ababa Universty, 2012-06) Kumsa, Ayele; Ingidayehu, Yalew
The study was intended to assessing The Organization And Management Of Functional Adult Literacy Program in Selected Woredas of West Harerghe Zone of Oromia. In the study, a descriptive survey method was used. Six Woredas were selected by purposive samplin method. From the six (6) Woredas, six FAL centers together with 1 faCilitators, J Woredas Adult Education boarded and technical Committee (AEB'f, ') and 7 Zone (AE8J', ') were selected by purposive sampling technique. In addition, 78(52.6)( 42 male trainees and 36 f emale) trainees were included using proportional stratified folLo wed by simple random sampling technique to supplement the data gained from the practitioners. uestionnaire, interviews, observation, as well as document revie'w were used to gather data and enricli the study. Data analysis was made by using percentile, chi square lest, t-te t and one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) using SPSS of version 15. The finding ' revealed cU/pnt conditions and major factors related to organization and management of FALP offered in FAL centers. The respondents, nonetheless, listed a number of constraints like: lnadequa }' of resources (finance, human, and materials),' lack of faCilitators training, lack of facilitators recruitment fr0111 community, lack of clear and convel/ient or anizational strIfetures absence of income generation mec.:hanisms, lack of qllalified tmind faCilitators, private resistance for the establishment of FAL training program, un willingness to send family members to the FAL centers, religions problem to attend ." 'ALP, unde;' valuing fun 'lional adult literacy program, lack of non gmernment support at [til, lack of e"alu((tion materials based on quality standard out comes, lad of follow lip the (Ictivities of c.:oncerned 'ector on FALP implementation were some of th2 hil1drances re'. ealed in the stlldy. Thus, the 'e problems made organization and management of FALP ·0 be incapable of meeting their purposes and the interests of disadvantages adults al :d you'lL'. it i ', therefore, recoll1mended that the Oromia Education beuros, Zone and W.Jreda A.EBTC mell1bers and diffe rent concerned sectors have to make maximum possi:)le efforts to /I1obilize all re 'ources, stakeholders and institutions under them to rel'erse the current situati:Jn of FALP organization and management in FAL centers.
“An Assessment of the Ethnographic Museum of Wollega”
(Addis Ababa University, 2020-11) Alemayehu, Solomon; Gobezie (PhD), Mengistu
An Assessment of the Ethnographic Museum of Wollega Several researches have been conducted on the museums of Ethiopia. Research on the Wollega Museum, the subject under study is very minimal. Wollega Museum has not been touched adequately by researchers. Since museum is vital human treasure in all countries in the 21st century, the status of museums should be adequately evaluated; whether they meets national as well as internationally set standards. In the case of Ethiopia, concerns to the cultural institutions in general and to the museums in particular has given less attention in government structures as compared to other public institutions. Museums have a real power to teach the society about everything of the past and also create a link between the past and the present. Everybody can contemplate and think to put her/his history in the museum where every cultures and identities displayed and communicates. Based on these and other issues regarding the museum under study, the researcher has set an objective on the identified problems that initiated him for the study. The overall objective of this study is to assess the general status of Wollega Museum. The assessment has been made on overall of the museum‟s category of collection, documentation, conservation, exhibition and its management and also the museum standard. It also aims at exploring the challenges and opportunities of the museum under study and suggesting possible solutions to the identified gaps. Qualitative research method has been applied to address the objectives of the research. Data collecting techniques and tools are those appropriate to the qualitative research method such as, interview and observation are applied as the basic methods of data collecting tools. The collected data has been analyzed and interpreted to address the objective of the study. After all the data has been interpreted recommendations has been made to suggest possible solutions based on the findings. The key findings are: 1) The museum has meet the standard of museum establishment proclamation criteria, established according to the legislation of the Ethiopian Museums, but the Wollega Museum has not given attention on the administrative part of the museum. 2) The museum by its collection is not only an ethnography museum, it seems the general museum and its rank is on the 1st level. But, due to mal administration of the local authority, it is below the standards set for the museum in terms of management and professional personnels. As a result, recommendations for possible solutions has been forwarded for the concerning body.
An Assessment on the Effectiveness of Temporary Exhibition at the National Museum of Ethiopia
(Addis Ababa University, 2016-03) Tegene, Belayneh; Said, Hasen(PhD); Begashaw, Kassaye(PhD)
The exhibition is a communication medium based on objects and selected elements seeking unique interpretation techniques. Everybody, regardless of age, sex, religion, wealth and status have the opportunities to observe and judge real objects. The “National Museum of Ethiopia” is one of the relatively oldest museum establishments with seven decades of experience in organizing both temporary and permanent exhibition to date. So far few researchers have touched the nature and the content of these exhibitions. However, something we believe that the status of the temporary exhibition should be adequately evaluated whether they meet internationally settled standards. Therefore, the overall objective of this study is to assess the effectiveness of the temporary exhibition in the “National Museum of Ethiopia” (here after “NME”) with regard to its exhibition standards, diversity and management as well as suggesting possible meanness of improvement on the identified gaps in the “NME”. This thesis is significant in filling the temporary exhibition gaps. Qualitative data collecting techniques, analysis and interpretation were used and supported by quantitative. To address those objective questionnaires was given to those who have directly or indirectly relations with the subject matter. To assess the effectiveness of the temporary exhibition organized by the “NME” to date is thoroughly evaluated. The scope of this paper is entirely limited to the rich experience of the temporary exhibition in the context of the “NME”. The key findings are the temporary exhibition at the “NME” is below exhibition standard in terms of exhibition elements, exhibition inputs and directives and guidelines. It is recommended that the temporary exhibition should have guideline, standards, format and professionally trained curator. Therefore, providing exhibitions policy and putting in place other related guidelines which ultimately helps towards museum exhibition benchmarks
Classification of Pottery Collections from the Site of Hawlti-Melazo at ARCCH and its Regional Implications
(Addis Ababa University, 2016-11) Girmaye, Andualem; Beldados, Alemseged(PhD)
The main purpose of this study is to classify and analyze the pottery collections from the Hawlti-Melazo site housed in the Authority for Research and Conservation of Cultural Heritage store room and compare it with other previous findings in the region. The classification of the Hawelti-Melazo collection carried out in the ARCCH laboratory resulted in the division of the collection into nine categories based on their major attributes such as type, form, shape and function. These major divisions include figurine, bowl, handle, jar, pot, body sherd, rim sherd, cup, incense burner and others. The study has revealed that the site could have been settled during both pre-Aksumite and Aksumite times. The study also indicated that the site might have been either a sanctuary or a settlement where both the ruling elite and the common people might have lived together. Based on the comparisons made with previous studies, the ceramic technology has direct and indirect parallels with Aksum, Yeha, Adulis, Nubia, the Mediterranean world and the Byzantine Vessels
Cooperation and Conflict Management Mechanisms among the People of Kalu, North Eastern Ethiopia
(AAU, 1995-06) Argaw, Demeke; K.Mohapatra, S
The study area, Kalu, is found in North central highland massif of Ethiopia and on the upper part of the rift valley depression. The Kalu are Amharic speaking people whom they share common boundary with Oromo, Argoba and Afar ethnic groups. The study area selected based on its location is on the main road from Addis Abeba northern Ethiopia Dessie, Mekele and the Afar depression in which the movement of people is too high. The Woreda shares common boundaries with the Argoba, Oromo and Afar Ethnic groups where ethnic interaction has its own effect in the traditional conflict management. Furthermore, most of the population in the Woreda is Muslim where the Islamic religion is believed to have its own contribution to the development of the indigenous institutions of conflict resolutions. In this regard, the Woreda is one of the centers of Islam in the country. I conducted the field work in the Woreda with an objective of examining traditional cooperation and customary conflict management mechanisms within the community. The people have age old tradition of cooperation and customary conflict management mechanisms. In the descriptive study of cooperation and customary conflict management of the Woreda and social, economic and political structure of the people is assessed. The traditional cooperation aspects reflect the mutual support and self help mechanisms while the customary conflict management institutions are the legal system mechanisms out of the court. Furthermore, the study focuses on the major mechanisms of traditional cooperation such as Debo, Azmach, Ertiban, Elf and other major institutions of cooperation. In addition, family, Shimglina and traditional mediators are adequately assessed as institutions of conflict management out of the court system. Finally, the customary conflict management mechanism among the people of Kalu is based on the public opinion, cultural consensus and religious beliefs. In other words, the conflict management mechanisms are basically interrelated with the social, economic and political conditions of the rural agricultural community. The customary conflict management mechanisms of the people of Kalu consider other conflict resolution mechanisms of the horn and Ethiopia studied by other Anthropologists.
Current Practices and Challenges of Addis Ababa Museum
(Addis Ababa University, 2016-03) Birhane, Solomon; Teffera, Zelalem(PhD)
The aim of this thesis is to investigate and to identify the current practices and challenges of Addis Ababa Museum. The finding of this paper will show when and how the museum was opened. The nature of current practices and its challenges are going to be addressed in this study. The number of Ethiopian and foreign visitors and amount of money generated will be clearly seen in the finding of this study. Moreover, the significance of museums to the general public in promoting culture, identity, history and economy will be discussed. Data will be collected in terms of interview, questionnaire, personal observation, photographs, archives and other means. Purposeful sampling will be used to select informants and individuals who are going to fill the questionnaire will be selected through random sampling. The finding of this study will recommend many stockholders to contribute their share in order to solve some challenges that are affecting the museum so that the country can generate good income from it
Documentation and Conservation Status of Bete Mulu Castle in Welkait, Western Tigray
(Addis Ababa University, 2016-10) Hailu, Feyissa; Hagos, Tekle(Ass.Prof.)
This thesis presents the documentation and conservation status of Bete Mulu in Western Tigray. This building is currently facing threats coming from various problems; natural and anthropogenic problems. Therefore, this research intended to investigate historical context, architectural design, significance and current status of Bete Mulu castle. While studying about historic buildings various approaches could be employed. Qualitative study, as one of the approaches in social sciences, was used. Major limitations of the existing building services systems were evaluated through analysis of building’s architectural, safety aspects and technical facilities. In addition, documenting the original building’s features by observing and measuring all about the appearance of the building was carried out. The conservation and management aspect of the study area was also carried. Finally, its historical context and values, its current condition, architectural aspect is presented after analysis and correlated with other design of building in the country. Similarly, the possible required conservation activities have been studied and possible recommendation is forwarded
Documentation of Cultural Landscapes in Welkait Woreda: Western Tigray, North Ethiopia
(Addis Ababa University, 2016-11) Demis, Yilikal; Beldados, Alemseged(PhD)
This study was conducted in Welkait Woreda, Western Tigray in particular the heritage sites of Bete Mulu, the Burials of Women (“Weyzazirt Mekabir”), Ona Eyesus Church, Zuwa Kidne Mihret Church, May Gaba Mikael, and Medhanialem Holy Water. The main objective of this study is to document the cultural values and history of these sites for the purpose of heritage management and possibly tourism development. To achieve the stated objectives, the researcher designed a proper methodology which includes both primary and secondary data sources. The primary data was collected through pedestrian survey, interview and field observation from these study sites. To support the primary data, secondary data was also collected and all were analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively. However, the research has involved more of qualitative than quantitative method. Purposive (judgmental) sampling techniques were employed in order to select the study sites and respondents within the study area. During the study, a total of 8 tumuli, 3 churches, a Castle, and Holy Water sites were identified. The burial tradition in this area was also compared with other sites in the country and the region. Accordingly, it is observed that there is a similarity and continuity of the tradition in terms of the material composition, shape and spatial coverage. Ruined churches and medieval structures were also documented for the first time. Based on the findings of the study, the researcher recommends that creating community awareness, establishing sufficient infrastructural conditions, and continuous promotion of the area should be the focus done by the concerned authority. This paper also recommends that participation and coordination of all concerned bodies and stake holders is imperative in supporting and conserving the unique landscape values of the study area
Ethnoarchaeological Study of Grind stones at Lakia’a in Adwa, Tigray Regional State, Ethiopia
(Addis Ababa University, 2012-06) Teklu, Gebre; Negash, Agazi(PhD)
The Purpose of this study was to conduct an ethnoarchaeological study of grind stones at Lakia’a in order to generate ethnoarchaeologically based ideas which can help better understand grind stones in the archaeological record. Efforts have been made to address the research questions of this study using primary data and secondary sources. Simple random sampling and purposive method of sampling were employed to prepare a sample size for this study. Observation and interview methods were used to gather data from the sample and their grind stones, and grind stone quarry sites. The gathered data were analyzed and interpreted qualitatively and quantitatively. Correspondingly, the results of this study reveal that the society used grind stones of different raw materials across time. Men undertake practical raw material choice and initial stage of grind stone preparation at the quarry site while women participate in a consultation regarding raw material choice at home and prepare food for the quarry men. Women also perform exclusively the leveling work of grind stone production at home, hammerstone acquisition and the work of foodstuffs grinding. The grind stones are placed in the kitchen and are used to process wide range of foodstuffs. Grind stones are one of the best bridges that connect the people socially and economically. A grind stone and a mano can serve approximately 20-80 years and 4-7 years respectively. Grind stones are reused in the area for different uses after discard. The finding also shows that significant number of people take their useable grind stones with them while they change their settlement mainly due to cultural preference and the fear to take the risk of grind stone production. Furthermore, the finding shows that modern grinding machine could not replace traditional grind stones especially to process ceremonial foods. The results from Lakia’a are combined with the available archaeological data to strengthen the conclusions given by scholars about grinding equipments
An Ethonarchaeological Study of Pottery Production in Tigray: The Case of Saharti Samre and Hintalo Wajirat Districts
(Addis Ababa University, 2016-06) Asefa, Tilahun; Burka, Temesgen(PhD)
It has been described that little is done on ethnoarchaeological investigation of pottery crafts in Ethiopia. Furthermore, except some attempts made in Hintalo-wajirat, detailed ethnoarchaeological study on pottery production in Saharti-Samre and Hintalo-Wajirat districts of Tigray region has not been conducted so far. Thus, the purpose of this study was to document the over all aspects of pottery production from ethnoarchaeological perspective so as to gain better understanding of pottery in the archaeological record. To achieve this, purposive sampling technique was employed to select both samples of pottery making villages and sample of informants. The data gathered through survey, observation and interview were analyzed qualitatively. Accordingly, the results of this study revealed that clay and sand are the basic elements for pottery making across the selected villages. In the study area pottery production is generally performed through various processes beginning from raw material procurement to paste preparation, forming and shaping, making decoration, drying, polishing and firing. Though some difference and similarities are observable in some of the stated processes among potters of the selected villages, none of these differences reflect variation in ethnicity as all potters of the selected villages belong to the same ethnic group. However, the presence of similarities in some aspects indicates the prevalence of socio-cultural contact among the artisans of the different villages. Since most activities are performed in the compound of the potters, firing pits with debris of ash, fragments of pots and toolkits employed to perform various steps of pottery making could be left in the compound of potters. Furthermore, pots could be broken and discarded outside production areas at market places and households of consumers. Thus, this study suggests that production areas, market places and households of consumers could become sources of archaeological site formation in Saharti-Samre and Hintalo- Wajirat districts
Forest Management From Local Knowledge, Institutions And Livelihood Perspectives: A Case Of Belete -Gera Forest In Southwestern Oromia Region, Ethiopia
(AAU, 2010-06) Merga, Disasa; Berisso, Taddesse(Dr
This study deals with forest management from the perspectives of local knowledge and institutions in relation to the livelihood of local people with particular reference to Balate Gera Forest Priority Area of Jim a Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. By using material from Ganji-caalla ofGera district, the paper attempted to address the role of local knowledge and institutions in forest management in relation to livelihood of the local p eople. The study was based on the field research conducted in Gera district for two solid months ranging from 21 December 2009 to 21 February 2010. Different tools of data gathering mechanisms were employed: structured and unstructured interviews, focused group discussions, observation and survey were utilized in order to obtain relevant and reliable data. The data were analyzed qualitatively employing conceptual ji-ameworks of political ecology and common property theories. The qualitative analysis of the study revealed that knowledge of local people about the values of fo rest and forest management was incredible. They were well aware of ecological, economic and socio-cultural values of forest in the study area. The study also indicated that customary institutions of the local people have played a great role in forest management. In the study area, the experience of charcoal burning, cutting live trees for fire wood, and extraction of timber were very minimal. However, local people have been utilizing forest resources for subsistence domestic uses cautiously and selectively. Traditional leadership set ups such as abbaa lagaa and shanee were still active and played great role in resource management and other social affctirs like conflict resolution. Above all, findings .!i'·om this study implied the importance of considering existing customary institutions, respecting ownership rights of forest resources users and reducing the role of government to technical support and some aspects of administration for sustainable forest management. Future researches should be directed to how the existing customGlY institutions will be fostered into fo rest management institutions in collaborating with the local government institutions and non-governmental organizations that have interests to work with the local people respecting their customary institutions.
Human-Environment Interactions in the Bale Mountains During the Late Pleistocene and Holocene Epochs: Anthracological Study
(Addis ababa university, 2021-08) Tarekegn, Tefera; Beldados (PhD), Alemseged
This thesis presents results of the analysis of the anthracological remains excavated from 10 archaeological sites located in the Bale Mountains. These sites yielded hundreds of anthracological remains collected from the early LSA occupation phase to the early arrival of pastoral phase in the BM covering a period between ~15-0ka cal. BP. The aims of the present study are: to reconstruct firewood collection strategies used by the prehistoric group in the Bale Mountains, to investigate the nature of vegetation history, to shed new light on the poorly understood environmental conditions during human occupation phases in the Bale Mountains, and to understand interactions between past humans and their environment in African high-altitude ecozones. The anthracological investigation was conducted on a total of 565 charcoal macro-remains obtained from various excavated sites. From the samples, a total of 366 anthracological samples were identified in their respective taxa from which seven different plant spices were documented. The recorded taxa include Erica arborea (n=90), Myrsine africana (n=82), Solanum giganteum (n=51), Artemisia afra (n=47), Hagenia abyssinica (n=44), Hypericum revolutum (N=31) and Juniperus procera (n=21) The results of antrhacological analysis show the presence of varied vegetation cover and environmental conditions in the sites located along the plateau and northern escarpments of the BMs. The finding of this study also demonstrates that prehistoric hunter-gatherers used different ecological zones very variably; the aforementioned plant types namely, Erica arborea, Myrsine africana, Solanum giganteum, Artemisia afra, Hagenia abyssinica, Hypericum revolutum, and Juniperus procera were also available as fire woods.
An Investigation of Later Stone Age Lithic Assemblages from Laga Oda Rock shelter, Southeastern Ethiopia
(Addis ababa university, 2021-09) Asrat, Seminew; Derara (PhD), Worku
The Laga Oda rock shelter stands among the key sites in Ethiopia yielding evidence of LSA lithic assemblages. Despite an initial preliminary report in the 1970s, a more detailed and state-of-the art techno-typological and attribute analysis of the recovered LSA lithic assemblages remains limited. This study examined the LSA lithic assemblage (n=563) of the Laga Oda rock shelter using techno-typological and attribute features and provided insight into the behavioral, technological, subsistence, and occupation nature of prehistoric populations of southeastern Ethiopia. Various distinct typologies of LSA artifacts with retouch and none-retouch elements including flakes, cores, flake fragments, backed pieces, scrapers, denticulate, and burins have been documented. The lithic technology and morphologies of the assemblages suggest production techniques might have involved multiple type of percussions including bi-polar, hard hammer, soft hammer as well indirect percussion. Particularly, the study reveals backed pieces (n=203) are the most significant portion of the whole assemblages retaining unique technological features. The comparisons of Laga Oda backed pieces with other contemporaneous sites of Goda Buticha and Mochena Borago revealed both similarities and variations in technological and typological aspects of the LSA assemblage during the Middle and Late Holocene. The rock shelter and the eastern side of the rift escarpment may also have acted as a sporadic refugium during alternating warm and cool periods of the Marine Isotope Stage (MIS)-1.
An Investigation of the Archaeobotanical Remains from the Site of Harlaa, Eastern Ethiopia (Mid-6th–15th Centuries AD)
(Addis ababa university, 2021-10) Hussien, Endris; Beldados (PhD), Alemseged
The archaeology of Islamic Ethiopia has been fundamentally understudied until recently, and the archaeobotany specifically has been largely neglected. This archaeobotanical investigation is part of a wider archaeological research project called “Becoming Muslim”, which began work at the site of Harlaa, since 2015. The archaeological evidence from Harlaa confirms the immense importance of the site, which was an important commercial, residential, and industrial quarters between the mid-6th and 15th centuries AD. A total of 230.04 liters of soil samples during the 2016 to 2020 field seasons were collected through excavation, which are the focus of this study, with the aim of looking: at the food economy of the inhabitants, diversity and distribution of floral resources, and the environmental history of the study area. More than 718 plant remains were identified, and were grouped as cereals, legumes, oil plants, weedy plants, woods and Poaceae based on their primary use and morphological character. The finding indicates that the historic Harlaa peoples had developed food-crops-based subsistence strategy from the mid-6th to early 15th centuries AD. Based on the data recovered, it is possible to see that most of the food crops recovered at Harlaa are Middle Eastern, and are similar with the food crops of the northern highlands. Secondary sources indicate that cash crops (such as khat and coffee) were amongst the widely cultivated plants introduced to the region at a later date, probably after Harlaa was abandoned in the 15th century. The archaeobotanical data, however, is devoid of remains related to khat and coffee.
Museum Collections and Management: A Case of Addis Ababa Museum
(Addis Ababa University, 2020-05) Taye, Eshetu; Begashaw (Ph. D), Kassaye
The museum collection management is one of the important processes for museums to be successful in their mission. It refers to the process of managing museum collections properly and increasing of effectiveness of the museums. It is the systematic mechanisms which regulates the museum collections to play towards the achievement of organizational goals. Addis Ababa Museum since its foundation in 1986 has over the years tried to accomplish a lot of objectives in its activities. The museum collection management is not on the position from the expectations to be as the municipal museum. Up to now few researchers have dealt with the issues concerning the collection management of the museum. The general objective of this study is to assess the current status of the museum collections and management by examining the effectiveness of the current status of museum collection management in comparison with the required standard of museum management. The methodologies used to conduct the research are both qualitative and quantitative research. The necessary data were collected from both primary and secondary sources which are carefully analyzed and interpreted. To gather with this the appropriate data tools used are: questionnaires, interviews and observation. The scope of this thesis is entirely limited to the reach the experiences of the museum collection management in the context of the Addis Ababa Museum. The key findings are the museum collection management is below the expected standard set by (ICOM, ICCROM) in the level of museum collection management, representation, legal frameworks, community engagement, museum services and organizational structure. This research recommends that the museum collection management should be run and managed by professionally who should perform their tasks by following the basic principles of effective museum collection management policy and guidelines. As long as strict and proper museum policy and guidelines are put in place, it will ultimately help Addis Ababa museum develop proper standard of the museum collection management. The result leads to the appropriate, effective and goal oriented service that satisfies the general public.

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