About the Department
This program delves into the rich tapestry of Oromo culture, exploring its spiritual, material, oral, and performance dimensions. We delve into:
- Spiritual and ideological beliefs: Exploring the underlying philosophies and values that shape Oromo society.
- Material culture: Studying the tools and objects that bring these beliefs to life, revealing the physical manifestations of the Oromo spirit.
- Oral traditions: Examining how stories, songs, and other forms of verbal expression are used to communicate and transmit knowledge within the community.
- Performance culture: Analyzing the dances, rituals, and other public displays that embody and celebrate Oromo cultural identity.
By understanding these different facets, we gain a holistic perspective on the lives and experiences of the Oromo people. Ultimately, this program is about understanding and appreciating the unique cultural heritage of this proud community.
More specifically, our program focuses on:
- Preserving and promoting Oromo folklore, culture, and literature: We collect, document, and digitize these valuable resources, making them accessible for research and enjoyment by future generations. This enriches both Oromo national literature and the broader field of cultural studies.
- Empowering graduates: We equip our students with the skills and knowledge needed to become independent professionals in the field of Oromo culture. They can work as researchers, artists, educators, and cultural entrepreneurs, contributing to the development and revitalization of their communities.
- Building bridges: We foster collaboration and exchange with other cultural institutions, both within Ethiopia and across international borders. This helps to promote understanding and appreciation of Oromo culture around the world.
Mr. Desta Gomasa
dgomasa@gmail.com
HoD's Message
It is with great pride that I write this message on behalf of the Department of Oromo Folklore and Literature. Our department is dedicated to creating talented graduates who can independently collect, organize, and document Oromo folklore, culture, and literature. This fills a critical gap in scholarly knowledge.
As the Oromo proverb "Waan qabaniin gabaa bahan" suggests, there is a growing need to revisit indigenous knowledge for the sustainable development of our country. We are truly proud to be one of the departments actively involved in this important work.
Our department is staffed by enthusiastic and committed individuals. They are passionate about unearthing and preserving Oromo culture and traditional knowledge for future generations. Both staff and students regularly engage in field work, collecting, organizing, cataloging, digitizing, and preserving folklore data.
Social ceremonies and rituals are documented directly in the field and stored in systematic archives for teaching and research purposes. While fieldwork and cultural investigations require significant effort, I encourage both staff and students to embrace their responsibility for the well-being of our society.
I have great faith in my staff's dedication to applying folklore in various areas and improving the lives of our people. They are committed to using their knowledge and teachings to advance Oromo indigenous scholarship. I hope our students will also find ways to apply their theoretical understanding of folklore to practical applications and contribute to the betterment of our communities.
Vision
To be recognized as a leading center for Oromo cultural studies within Mattu University by 2030.
Mission
To provide high-quality education that nurtures competent graduates who can:
- Investigate and appreciate Oromo indigenous knowledge, wisdom, and skills.
- Conduct research that addresses the needs of the Oromo community.
- Offer multidimensional services that contribute to solving societal challenges.
Staffs List
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