Buna

Abstract

Coffee, indigenous to Oromo lands in Ethiopia, is an essential cultural and spiritual element in people’s lives. Oromo who resettled in the United States have adapted ancient coffee traditions in indigenous, Christian, and Muslim contexts. This in-depth ethnographic study looks at buna for several generations of Muslim Oromo. The authors explore interpersonal and ritual ways that the women communicate support for one another and promote harmony in their families and community through this ancient tradition. They highlight previous ethnographic studies of Oromo groups (1962-1998) to place this urban coffee gathering in a broader historical, political, economic, and social context. The coffee gathering provides important opportunities for women to communicate with Allah, saints, and each other. Interactions during buna involve greetings, honoring, respecting the elders, praying, sharing stories, and sustenance.

Exploring the Influence of an Ethiopian Short-Term Study Abroad Experience on Pre-Service Teachers’ transformative Learning and Reflection Skills

“…Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee, as it was discovered in the 16th century in the Province of Kaffa. An invitation to participate in the ceremony is considered a deep mark of friendship and respect and involves a ritualized form of brewing and then serving the coffee (Yedes et al, 2004). A highlight of the trip was when the PSTs and faculty were invited to Milki's home, where they were treated to a traditional Ethiopian meal with opportunities to ask questions about the food and learn how to make the popular Ethiopian food, injera.…”

Review on contribution of indigenous food preparation and preservation techniques to attainment of food security in Ethiopian

“…Coffee may be a crucial trade goods used around the world in numerous ways and has been an essentially vital for social, economic, political, and ritual physical objects for many centuries. Although there is presently nothing to substantiate such beliefs, it is acknowledged that near to the ground is endemic to Ethiopia and it is presupposed that the Oromo were the primary people to recognize its stimulating effect (Haberland, 1963;Jacobson-Widding & Beek, 1990;Wild, 2005;Yedes, Clamons, & Osman, 2004).…”