Singing as Justice: Ateetee, an Arsi Oromo Women's Sung Dispute Resolution Ritual in Ethiopia
Author(s):
Leila Qashu
Publication Year:
2019
Type:
journal article
Journal/Book Title
Ethnomusicology
Publisher
Editor(s):
Pages:
247-278
Volume:
63
Issue:
2
Abstract:
This article explores how singing and ritual can constitute justice. Specifically, I look at how Arsi Oromo women in Ethiopia use ateetee, a sung indigenous women’s dispute resolution process, to protect, defend, promote, and assert their rights. I use thick descriptive ethnography, narratives, and experiences from fieldwork, musico-poetic analyses, and the voices of Arsi Oromo community members to explore how the sung ateetee ritual is a necessary and effective means for Arsi women to claim their rights in rapidly changing social environments.
Citation (Chicago Author-Date):
Qashu, Leila. 2019. “Singing as Justice: Ateetee, an Arsi Oromo Women’s Sung Dispute Resolution Ritual in Ethiopia.” Ethnomusicology 63 (2): 247–78. https://doi.org/10.5406/ethnomusicology.63.2.0247.