Objective: To support festival hosting, cultural expression and environmental conservation through demonstration of Boran hut construction, traditional food exhibition, maintenance of a botanic garden and audio-visual documentation.

Background

The geographical and ecological confinement of Waso Borana to the Waso Nyiro River basin in Isiolo in the 1930s and other historical processes including the introduction of foreign religions adversely affected the community’s ability to perform their rituals, ceremonies as well as their adornments and language. In addition, the Shifta war of 1960s which resulted in great loss of human life, livestock and livelihood not only led to reduction of resilience but also to collective trauma from which the community has not fully recovered.

 

Aware of the extent of and the continuing loss of their community’s cherished cultural and natural heritage, Damesa hopes to revive traditional practices and the lost glory of the Waso Borana and the river ecosystem through awareness and education.

Summary

The project supports Damesa to organize the annual Isiolo Cushitic Cultural Festival to construct a traditional shade (Galm), to demonstrate the construction and furnishing of Boran hut and to stage songs and dances. The project also supports the maintenance of a botanic garden of indigenous plants, exhibition of traditional foods and the participation of Damesa in the 1000 Stars Gughe Music Festival in Arba Minch, Ethiopia in 2010.

Funding

Grantee: Damesa Community Based Organization

Grantor: The Christensen Fund

Project period: July 2009 – June 2010