Olmaya: The Land of Konso, Where Power Shifts by Covenant, Not by Conflict скачать в хорошем качестве

Olmaya: The Land of Konso, Where Power Shifts by Covenant, Not by Conflict

Among the most remarkable values of the Konso community, the Kara (Xhelga/Kila) system holds a primary place. Occurring every 18 years, this system is a masterpiece of democratic governance where power is transferred peacefully to the next generation. 1. The Handover Process and the Symbolism of Sacrifice The ritual sacrifice of a bull during the ceremony is not merely a feast; it is an act filled with profound meaning: • The Sacrifice: A black bull is sacrificed by being pierced with a spear. This heralds the end of the old era and the dawn of a new chapter. • The Distribution of Meat: Sharing the bull’s meat with the public reflects a high philosophy of leadership: "A leader lives for the people; he does not consume the people." • Gunshots and Dancing: These are expressions of pride, announcing to the world that the transition has been completed with victory and peace. 2. The "Waka" and Historical Continuity In Konso culture, deceased heroes and leaders are memorialized with wooden statues called Waka. The rituals performed during the ceremony include: • The Burial: The bones and hide of the sacrificed bull are buried in the same pit where the Waka is erected. This confirms an eternal bond between the earth and the ancestors (the previous generation). • Continuity: The installation of the statue ensures that the history and "spirit" of the hero remain a permanent presence among the new generation. 3. The Role of the "Mora" For the Konso people, a Mora is not just a common gathering place; it is the center of political, religious, and social life: • Youth Quarters (Paalta): Unmarried young men sleep in the Paalta within the Mora to guard the village from danger and enemies. • The "Daga-hela" Stone: During the power transition every 18 years, a tall "generation stone" is erected in the middle of the Mora. This serves as a physical record to count the history and reign of each generation.