Negash, Agazi(PhD)Teklu, Gebre2018-06-122023-11-192018-06-122023-11-192012-06http://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/12345678/439The 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 equipmentsengrind stonesThesis