1st Edition

The Gurage A People of the Ensete Culture

By William A. Shack Copyright 1966
    246 Pages
    by Routledge

    246 Pages
    by Routledge

    Originally published in 1966 this study gives a detailed account of all aspects of Gurage life. An introductory chapter on South-West Ethiopia and the history of the area is followed by descriptions of Gurage settlements, ensete (banana-like plants) cultivation, kinship and marriage, the political system and religious organization. The author's fieldwork and discussions with many resident and migrant Gurage in Addis Ababa enabled him to provide a valuable account of a hitherto little known people and ethnographic area.

    1. Introductory

    2. Ecology and Communications

    3. Land, Labour and Ensete

    4. Kinship, Local Organization, Family and Marriage

    5. The Political System: Clanship and Ritual

    6. Religious Organization.

    Conclusions.

    Biography

    William A. Shack