Coronation and Traditional Administrative System of the Donga People
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Date
2015-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
This thesis describes the coronation rituals and traditional administrative
systems of Donga People, who lives in southern part of Ethiopia. It further
investigates the roles of traditional institutions; the community’s
perceptions towards their traditional administrative system and other
related socio-cultural events.
To achieve this goal primary and secondary data were used. The data
were collected through observation, informal and formal interviews, focus
group discussions and reviewing available primary and secondary
sources.
The findings of the present study showed that the Donga coronation rituals
have a considerable role in creating and maintaining the social bond
among members of the community. Simultaneously; the annual festivals
are also practiced with the presence of respected king and considered as
part of the earliest traditional forms of communal thanks-giving. Moreover,
hierarchical traditional conflict resolution mechanisms, based on
customary laws could create peaceful environment, maintain ongoing
societal moral structure and further reduce the burdens of the ‘‘modern
jury. The traditional social structure serves as a channel of communication
within the entire community. It also helps to plan and implement policies,
rules and regulations to further mobilize the people towards development
endeavors.
The values and practices examined in this study further showed that the
particular understanding of given times and the cultural effects of the
reformation could in fact make significant changes on social
consciousness.
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Keywords
Traditional Administrative System