Assignment Hawassa University

College of Social Sciences and Humanities

Department of Anthropology; History Unit
Assignment for the course History of Ethiopia and the Horn (Hist-1012)
Assignment load: 10% Student’s Department:

Assignment type: Group assignment Student’s section:

Submission date: on_______________ Program:

General Directions:
 Portion coverage unit 5, 5.5 – 5.6.2
 You are expected to write a brief explanation of not more than a pager length for each question.
 Your answers must be precise and hand writing neat. Any sort of copying will automatically
disqualifies your result.
 Be in groups of 5 students and make sure that all members are engaged in the activities. Failure to
submit on time reduces your score of this assignment with 1% per each day.
 The assignment will be presented or evaluated in the class
1. Compare and contrast the socio-political structure of the omotic states of Walayita, Kafa,
Yem, Dawuro, Gamo and Konta. (3%)

The Omotic states of Walayita, Kafa, Yem, Dawuro, Gamo, and Konta were a group of states
located in the southern part of Ethiopia. These states were part of the larger Omotic
civilization, which was a collection of various ethnic groups that shared a common language
and culture.

In terms of socio-political structure, these states were all independent and had their own
ruling dynasties. However, they shared some similarities in their political and social
organization.

One of the main similarities among these states was their reliance on a system of local chiefs
and elders to govern their territories. These chiefs and elders were responsible for
maintaining law and order, collecting taxes, and providing military support to the ruling
dynasty. They were also responsible for resolving disputes and conflicts within their
communities.

Another similarity among these states was their reliance on a system of tribute and taxation
to generate revenue. The ruling dynasties would collect tribute from the local chiefs and
 elders, who in turn would collect taxes from the people living in their territories. This system
of tribute and taxation allowed the ruling dynasties to maintain their power and wealth.

In terms of social organization, these states were all organized around a system of kinship
and clan relationships. The ruling dynasty would often be a member of a particular clan or
family, and they would rely on the support of their kin to maintain their power. This system
of kinship and clan relationships also helped to maintain social stability and cohesion within
these states.

Overall, the Omotic states of Walayita, Kafa, Yem, Dawuro, Gamo, and Konta were all
independent and had their own ruling dynasties, but they shared similarities in their reliance
on local chiefs and elders, tribute and taxation systems, and kinship and clan relationships to
maintain their socio-political structures.

2. Read peoples and states of the west in your module and explain/analyze the socio-economic
pattern and political system of the peoples. (3%)

The "Peoples and States of the West" module likely refers to a course or textbook that covers
the history and political systems of Western European countries. Without access to the
specific module or textbook, it is difficult to provide a detailed analysis of the socio-
economic patterns and political systems of the peoples in the West.

However, in general, Western European countries have a long history of political and
economic development, with a variety of political systems and socio-economic patterns.
Some of the key features of Western European political systems include a strong tradition of
democracy, a system of checks and balances, and a commitment to individual rights and
freedoms.

In terms of socio-economic patterns, Western European countries have generally enjoyed

high levels of economic prosperity and social welfare. They have well-developed social
safety nets, including universal healthcare and social security systems, and have invested
heavily in education and infrastructure. This has led to high levels of education, low levels of
poverty, and high standards of living.
 Overall, the socio-economic patterns and political systems of Western European countries are
characterized by a commitment to democracy, individual rights, and social welfare, as well as
high levels of economic prosperity and social development.

3. Discuss the political developments of the Gonderine period and zemene mesafint. (2%)

The Gonderine period and Zemene Mesafint were two distinct periods in Ethiopian history
that were characterized by significant political developments.

The Gonderine period, which lasted from the mid-18th century to the mid-19th century, was
marked by the rise of the Gonder dynasty and the establishment of the Gonder Empire.
During this period, the Gonder dynasty consolidated its power and expanded its territory
through military conquests and diplomatic negotiations. The Gonder Empire was
characterized by a centralized system of government, with the emperor exercising significant
control over the provinces and local authorities.

The Zemene Mesafint, which lasted from the mid-19th century to the early 20th century, was
a period of political fragmentation and decentralization in Ethiopia. During this period, the
Gonder Empire was weakened by internal conflicts and external pressures, and the central
authority of the emperor was challenged by regional powers. This led to the rise of a number
of independent regional states, each with its own ruler and system of government.

Overall, the Gonderine period and Zemene Mesafint were both significant periods in
Ethiopian history, characterized by political developments that shaped the country's
trajectory in the centuries that followed. The Gonderine period was marked by the rise of a
centralized empire, while the Zemene Mesafint was a period of political fragmentation and
decentralization.

4. Briefly outline the indigenous governance system of the peoples and states of Sidama, Gedeo
and Konso. (2%)

The indigenous governance system of the Sidama, Gedeo, and Konso peoples and states in Ethiopia was
characterized by a decentralized system of government, with power distributed among local chiefs and
elders.

In the Sidama region, the indigenous governance system was based on a system of clans and lineages,
with each clan having its own chief and council of elders. The chief was responsible for maintaining law
and order, collecting taxes, and providing military support to the local community. The council of elders
was responsible for resolving disputes and conflicts within the community, as well as providing advice
and guidance to the chief.

In the Gedeo region, the indigenous governance system was based on a system of local chiefs and
elders, who were responsible for governing their territories and maintaining law and order. The chiefs
were responsible for collecting taxes, providing military support, and resolving disputes and conflicts
within their communities. The elders were responsible for providing advice and guidance to the chiefs,
as well as maintaining traditional customs and practices.

In the Konso region, the indigenous governance system was based on a system of local chiefs and elders,
who were responsible for governing their territories and maintaining law and order. The chiefs were
responsible for collecting taxes, providing military support, and resolving disputes and conflicts within
their communities. The elders were responsible for providing advice and guidance to the chiefs, as well
as maintaining traditional customs and practices.

Overall, the indigenous governance system of the Sidama, Gedeo, and Konso peoples and states was
characterized by a decentralized system of government, with power distributed among local chiefs and
elders. This system allowed for a high degree of autonomy and self-governance, as well as the
preservation of traditional customs and practices.