The Konso People

The Konso inhabit an isolated region of basaltic hills –essentially an extension of the southern highlands –set at altitudes of 1500-2000m, and flanked to the east by the semi –desert Borena lowlands and to the west by the equally harsh lower Omo valley. -The Konso have developed their culture in “a high degree” of isolation for the many centuries they have inhabited their land. Trade with the Boerne brought vital salt. Although the Konso partake in many elements of the Cushitic culture, their way of life is not shaped by the outside influences that had such a big impact on traditional Abyssinia
The Konso people have a long tradition of commemorating dead heroes with carved wooden figures known as ‘WAKA’ which literary means something of the grandfather. When a hero or important man has died, Waka figures are carved in his honor and placed in public places or along a pathway.
The Konso are most renowned for their stele erections and wood carvings of anthropomorphic wooden statues that represent the dead. They are considered a megalithic people.  Women and children are excluded from ritual ceremonies, except for being able to participate in dances which are purely for entertainment
Konso cultural landscape is a 55 m2 arid property of stone walled terraces and fortified settlement in the Konso highlands of Ethiopia. It constitutes a spectacular example of a living cultural tradition stretching back 21 generations (more than 400 years) adapted to its dry hostile environment. The landscape demonstrates the shared values, social cohesion and engineering knowledge of its communities. This site also features anthropomorphic wooden statues-grouped to represent respected members of their communities and particularly heroic events –which are an exceptional living testimony to funerary traditions that are on the verge of disappearing. Stone steles in the towns express a complex system of marking the passing of the generation of leaders.