Cultural Artefacts: Traditional Tableware and Utensils from Oromia

Explore the traditional tableware and utensils used from different cultural zones across Oromia in Ethiopia

Mooyyee by Moti PicturesVisit Oromia

The origins of handcrafted utensils

From ancient times, tableware and utensils have been hand crafted by local artisans in Oromia to be used at meal times. Using locally available material such as wood, leather, and gourd, the Oromo equip their kitchens with all the necessities. 

Gabatee (2022) by Aron Simeneh and Berhanu beyeneVisit Oromia

Gabatee

The Gabatee is an item carved from wood and can be used to serve meals.

Baaqqicha Aannanii (2022) by Aron Simeneh and berhanu beyeneVisit Oromia

Baaqqicha Aannanii

This popular traditional item of the Gujii Oromo is called Baaqqicha Aannanii. It is made out of gourd and covered with leather. The decorations are mostly Meexxii (a soft metal) and cowrie shells. Baaqqicha Aannanii can be drank from, and can also be used for storing milk.

Fal’aana (2022) by Aron Simeneh and berhanu beyeneVisit Oromia

Fal'aana Gaafaa

This is a type of spoon made from animal horn and used for scooping food.

Geeba (2022) by Aron Simeneh and Berhanu beyeneVisit Oromia

Geeba

The Geeba is a traditional cup carved from animal horn or wood and used to drink traditional drinks such as Daadhii (honey wine).

Guchuma (2022) by Aron Simeneh and berhanu beyeneVisit Oromia

The Chocho

The Chocho is primarily used to carry milk amongst the Oromo. It is decorated with beads and shells and has a leather strap for convenience.














Xamboo Galaa/Kolba (2022) by Aron Simeneh and Berhanu beyeneVisit Oromia

Xamboo Galaa

Made out of horn and reinforced with leather, this water container is used by Oromo men during war. 

Buqqee Aannanii (2022) by Aron Simeneh and Berhanu beyeneVisit Oromia

Buqqee Aannanii

Milk is served out of this cup made out of gourd. 

Baattuu Shinii (2022) by Aron Simeneh and Berhanu beyeneVisit Oromia

Baattuu Shinii

This is a small item woven out of straw that is used to carry a coffee cup during travel. 

Waancaa/Geeba (2022) by Aron Simeneh and Berhanu beyeneVisit Oromia

Waancaa

Carved from the horn of cattle, Waancaa is used as a drinking cup. 

Credits: Story

Brought to you by the Oromia Tourism Commission in partnership with Laurendeau & Associates.

Written by Outdoor Ethiopia

Photographed By Berhanu Beyene, Abinet Teshome, & Aron Simeneh

Produced by Metasebia Yoseph  &  Lidya Gebrehanna  for Laurendeau & Associates.

Special Thanks To

Oromo Cultural Center for sharing their archive and artifacts.

Guzo Technology 

Eternal Media

Nega Wedajo Werete

Hickson Debele   

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.

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