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What Is the Gadamoji in the Borana Tribe?

In Northern Kenya and Southern Ethiopia, the Borana Oromo people live out pastoral lives. In the tradition of this ancient culture, the Gadamoji represents a significant period in the lives of all Borana people. The event Gadamoji is celebrated every eight years according to the lunar calendar, and with its ceremonial activities and political values, its importance is highly regarded by tribal members. The Borana Oromo also name a significant member of the tribe as Gadamoji, a very high position for an elder.

System of Gada
- In Borana, the system of Gada governs the rules of birth, marriage and other rites of passage. The system began with the creation of human beings according to Borana beliefs. The Gadamoji is a central figure in the tribe who is respected and believed to have special powers. The Gadamoji ceremony celebrates the change of governance from elder members of the tribe to the younger warriors.
Rite of Passage
- As a basic definition, the Gadamoji is a rite of passage ceremony that marks the end of one generation's control of the tribe and the start of a new one. The Gada period lasts for eight years. The final Gadamoji ceremony includes several activities and other events that mark the political, social and economic changes occurring within the tribe. The Gadamoji ceremony also signifies the roles of men and women in the tribe. The Borana are a patrilineal society, meaning that men are dominant providers while women maintain a subordinate role.
Contests
- During the Gadamoji ceremony, several contests between the older Gadamoji and his sons depict a tug-of-war over the power exchange in the tribe. The contests also show the capabilities of new warriors to protect the tribe. In one activity, the warriors fight to protect a milk vessel. The contests also show that the Borana are a predominantly militaristic society.
Interference
- The Borana tribes spread out between Kenya and Southern Ethiopia. Changes in religious practices and decreasing land availability limit the Gadamoji ceremonies. Islam and Christianity filtered into the Borana tribe in the late 19th century, changing the historical cultural values for Gadamoji ceremonies. Land usage and increasing populations also limit where the ceremonies can be held, which prevents less fortunate Borana tribes from participating in the ceremonies.

Astrology