Gada system, an indigenous democratic socio-political…Ethiopia
Representative List 2016
EN: Guyo Goba, the seventieth Abaa Gada of the Borana Oromo, ties ‘kallacha’ headgear on his forehead which is a symbol of power, and bearing a staff known as Hororo and a whiplash (Litcho) in his hand and wearing shorts (Hida)
EN: Gorfo, a leather dress made of skin of cow and beautified with stripes symbolizes that the women are mothers of the Dabballe. They are greatly honoured; their blessings are sought by women. Dabballe dhali ‘May you give birth to dabballe’.
EN: Abba Gadas transmit the knowledge and practices associated with the Gada System
Other: Abba Gadas transmit the knowledge and practices associated with the Gada System through the words of mouth to Gamme Titiko( little Gammes) who get their hair shaved in circular shape at the top middle part of their head.
EN: Most of the meetings of the various Gada councils convened under the shade of Oda tree, emblem and sacred tree for the Oromo, used to review the laws, resolve major conflicts and deal with the issue of power transfer.
EN: Participants take with them a bunch of green grass and Ada (Abyssinian daises) to be placed on the shore of Hora (Lake) Arsadi while chanting thanks to Waqqa at Irreecha Festival celebrated in September at national level in Bishoftu Town
EN: On the occasion of the Irrecha Festival celebrated at national level, women walking to Hora (Lake) Arsadi holding siinqee (stick) and one of them also carrying caaccuu, a religious object made of skin of cow decorated with cowry shell
EN: A marriage ceremony held during the Irrecha Festival presided by Abba Gada and other officials. In the Gada System, marriage ceremonies constitute a rite of passage from Kusa to Raba Dori grade for most of the members of the class.
EN: AIn the power take over ceremony, referred as Balli Walirafudhu, the outgoing Gada ruling class handover ostrich feather, a symbol of authority, to the incoming. The handover of power is often undertaken every eight years smoothly and peacefully.
EN: Abba Gada Beyene Sanbeto with his wife at the power transfer ceremony. He is president of the Gada Council established recently at Bishoftu to promote the Gada System, realize good governance and ensure peace and stability of the Oromo people.
EN: Dhichisa, a traditional dancing in which men perform fast and high jumps during the Gada Power transfer ceremony and other rituals in connection with the System. In this dancing, those who accomplish heroic deeds including the Gada officials are praised.
