Changes in Knowledge of Time among Gabra Miigo Pastoralists of Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

We examined representations of time among Gabra Miigo pastoralists in southern Ethiopia. Time was represented by changes in nature, cultural symbols, and social matters, although coherent knowledge of time representations was unequally distributed within Gabra Miigo society. We discuss how knowledge of time representation has changed and how modernization and Islam have affected this knowledge. Knowledge of time representations that regulate the age system has faded as the influence of Islam has grown. However, time representations that serve to retain historical memories are gaining social value in the modern context. Those who are well informed in such time representations have become “experts” and have begun to act as leaders. Gabra Miigo society, which was traditionally acephalous, is becoming a more top-down and centralized society.