FOLKLORE: AN INSTRUMENT OF CONFLICT PREVENTION, TRANSFORMATION AND RESOLUTION IN THE ETHIOPIAN CONTEXT

Abstract

The article assesses the role of folklore in the form of verbal, ritual and material objects as a means of customary dispute prevention, transformation and resolution in selected ethnic groups in Ethiopia. Samples of oral narratives in the form of proverbs, myths and legends from the Amhara, Tigray, Oromo and Issa linguistic groups are found to have cohesive functions that reiterate harmony among the respective communities and individuals prior to conflicts; conciliatory and mediatory functions during inter-ethnic and intra-ethnic or personal conflicts; and lastly, compensatory functions after conflicts. The familiarity of the content in the narratives and the beauty of the language of the mediators, usually the elders, transform the state of enmity into the state of tolerance and recompense. The pre-reconciliation, reconciliation and post-reconciliation rituals usually accompanied by animal sacrifice, as well as the venues of the rituals (usually river banks and under trees), create a local colour that foreground a feeling of exoneration, absolution, communalism as well as commitment to discontinue blood feuds. The material objects mostly used during the reconciliation rituals, such as Tabots, crosses and other relics of the Orthodox Church, Kalacha, boku, Chachu, Siniqee and Hanfala of the Oromo have a frightening effect on the people who want to redress damages by force. The widest usage of folkloric elements for conflict prevention, resolution and transformation is found to have a consoling and therapeutic effect on the material and psychological dimensions of conflict. On the other hand, it is suggested that concerned bodies should preserve and make use of such rich folkloric heritage that conform with the constitution of the country and international human right conventions.