Dhibaayyuu: An indigenous thanks giving ritual among the Borana Oromo, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

Indigenous knowledge (Ik) is the knowledge that indigenous peoples are leading their livelihood and also they learnt it from the actual practices during their day to day life. Traditionally the Indigenous knowledge was considered as worthless and anybody have had criticizing it. But, currently the reality is promulgated by different scholars as the indigenous knowledge is very crucial in day to day life of indigenous peoples. Among the different aspects of indigenous knowledge, one is Indigenous ritual; which is conducted by indigenous peoples for very different reasons. By considering the importance of indigenous ritual, this work primarily focuses on dhibaayyuu as an indigenous thanksgiving ritual among the Borana Oromo of southern Ethiopia. Dhibaayyuu ritual is historically and functionally linked to the Oromo Gadaa system in general and Waaqeffannaa practices of the Oromo in particular. The data for this paper were collected from primary sources through observations, interviews and focus group discussions and secondary sources were also used to supplement primary data collected during field work. Finally, data recorded were analyzed and interpreted qualitatively based on historical research methodology. The finding of this work indicated that dhibaayyuu ritual practice among the Borana Oromo has been survived to date with its ritual procedures serving as thanks giving (galata) to Waaqa for good things done for them and praying (kadhaa) for the future to be the year of prosperous, fertility and peace for their livestock and people. Moreover, beyond thanks giving and pray, the finding of this paper further indicated that dhibaayyuu plays a pivotal role in peace building and coaching the young generation about Safuu of the Borana Oromo that imbedded in Oromo Gadaa system.