Open Access
American Research Journal of History and Culture
ISSN (Online): 2379-2914
DOI: 10.46568/arjhc
History and Culture of Burji People in Ethiopia
Abstract
Like many other ethnic groups in Ethiopia, the origin and history of the Burji people is relatively unknown, making their
culture susceptible to subjective interpretations by a coterie of scholars who have studied them. Due to this fact, studies of
the Burji people have generally suffered from the opposite defects of insulation and extrapolation. The Burji are Cushitic
people who are producers of‘Teff’ and ‘Buraa Burjee’/Haricot beans) in South Ethiopia region. Farming, livestock rising
and trade constitute the major economic activities of the Burji. In farming they are as clever as the neighboring people of
Konso and they are also clever trader who runs the highest economic activities in Kenya. However, their history, culture,
values and indigenous knowledge have not yet studied and documented properly. Thus, the main objective of this paper was
to assess the history and culture of Burji People in Ethiopia. Meanwhile, the specific objectives of this study were assessing
the history, language and religious beliefs of Burji people. To that end, this study has employed descriptive and explanatory
research designs and qualitative research approach that had involved asking participants about their experiences of
things that happen in their lives. Besides, both primary and secondary sources of data were used and the primary data
were collected through structured and unstructured interview and focus group discussion. Concerning this, Elders, Clan
Chiefs, and Olcho(Province) leaders were important respondents who had offered necessary information in this paper.
To select the respondents the researcher has used purposive sampling technique where the elders, representatives of the
indigenous governance system (Woma, Dayna, Masha, Jal’aba and Hayoo) and state officials of traditional governance
were the core participants of this study. At the end, the research finds Liban was the most acceptable original place of
Burji in history and Dhasshatee is the language of Burji people. Also, Burji believe in DhetHila’aleyWonnto(one sky God),
common ancestors and sprits.
