Generation Grading Ceremony - ADDA KATAPHA  

The Konso are perhaps amongst the last stelae erecting people on the planet.

Although a generation grade theoretically encompasses the men in an entire region, it does not actually function beyond each town’s borders and therefore does not prevent conflicts between towns.

The ceremony takes place every 18 years. There are 7 different age hierarchies, but the most important classifications are 7 years of senior command followed by 11 years of junior command.

The sacred Juniperus tree is erected every 18 years (full age cycle) to symbolise the transfer of power.
Stelae are erected every 11 and 7 years.  

Konso perceive Karati, Fasha and Turo as being separate countries (PITA) because of different generation grade systems

Karati = 18 year cycle split into two 9 year groups (KALGUSA and HIRIBA)

Fasha = 15 year cycle split into three 5 year groups (Kalgusa, Hiriba and Melgussa) - there used to be 7 but it was shortened.


Transfer of Power

Rituals take up to 2 months. Ceremony starts in 1 MORA (communal area), but as the proceedings continue other moras are used. The process is terminated at another designated mora at the culmination of the Kara.

Only Dokattu and sister towns of Burkuda and Hulme practice the full ceremony. It is being abandoned in other areas.
Successful generations have stelae erected in the mora, others will be elsewhere.

Formerley the WAKA (funerary statues) and DAGA DIRUMA (stone of manhood) were placed near the mora and at the main entrance, later they are located on both sides of the major paths.

Sometimes young men lift the heavy stone of manhood to show off how strong they are.

 
Funerary System

Waka are something of the grandfathers. The elite funerary system of the Konso is unique and the rituals associated with it could help to elucidate early mummification systems.They are representative of the rare ‘Art Premier’ on the verge of disappearance worldwide.

Burial grounds for respected members or heroes are located near the gates, so as to be clearly visible and to inspire the next generations

Sometimes small basalt columns are erected next to Waka and Daga Diruma to show the number of plots of land that were aquired during that lifetime, occasionally wild animals are also placed next to hunters. The Waka for the chief priest Bamalle is famously placed with a carved leopard.

Common community members are buried in their farms and wakes erected by their families.

One of the most famous Waka is that of chief priest Kalla Wolde Dawit who passed over in 2002. The head had eyes represented by ostrich shells, defined facial features, both hands have bracelet representation of position as chief , the belly button Is in place and the genitals are well pronounced. The phallic emblem of leadership is on forehead and a shield spear and sword is depicted in the left hand. The statues are located in the traditional Kalla forest.

Women also have wakes erected but without Daga Diruma. Women and men are buried separately and clearly distinguished.

The waka are allowed to weather naturally but are usually protected by a shelter. Wakas and Daga Diruma are owned by the immediate family

The passing of elderly members of the community who have led a long and fruitful life are celebrated with much singing and dancing.