Materiality, Landscape, and Memory: An Ethnoarchaeological Study of Gadaa Ritual Performances and Site Formation Processes in Oromia, Ethiopia

Location: Ethiopia

Season: May 1, 2027 to November 1, 2027

Session Dates: full season

Application Deadline: January 11, 2026

Deadline Type: Exact Date

Website: https://slu.edu.et

Program Type:
Volunteer

RPA Certified:
This project is an RPA certified field school

Affiliation:
Salale University, Addis Ababa University(PhD candidate, Department of History and Archaeology)

Project Director:
Garedow Abiba (PhD Candidate in Archaeology and Heritage Management)

Project Description:

This ethnoarchaeological project investigates the materiality, spatial organisation, and site formation processes of ceremonial landscapes within Ethiopia’s Gadaa socio-political and ritual system. The research combines ethnographic interviews, oral histories, participant observation, material culture documentation, and spatial analysis to examine the relationships between contemporary ritual practices and their archaeological signatures. The research integrates high-resolution spatial phenomenological landscape analysis, archaeological semiotics for recording material culture, and ethnographic interviews to understand how living rituals leave physical traces in the archaeological record. The project contributes to broader discussions in ethnoarchaeology, landscape archaeology, the archaeology of ritual, indigenous knowledge, and the management of living cultural heritage in East Africa. It welcomes researchers, graduate students, and volunteers interested in landscape archaeology, ethnoarchaeology, and East African heritage.

Period(s) of Occupation: The cultural period or chronological focus on the Ethnoarchaeology / Historical & Contemporary Indigenous Ritual Landscape.

Notes:
This project is part of broader doctoral research examining the materiality, spatial configuration, and site-formation processes of Gadaa ceremonial landscapes in Ethiopia. In light of previous research and results, the project seeks to expand knowledge about the relationship between ritual actions, material culture, landscape utilisation, and the creation of the archaeological record. As part of the field season, supplementary ethnoarchaeological investigation, GIS-based spatial mapping, and the study of ritual routes and landscape landmarks will take place. These data will be used for the completion of the doctoral thesis and future publications. The project is open to researchers and potential field assistants with an academic background or interest in archaeology, anthropology, ethnoarchaeology, GIS, or heritage management. Fieldwork participants will have the chance to gain practical experience in landscape investigation and spatial analysis. We will clarify fieldwork details, responsibilities, access procedures, and research permissions. The details of fieldwork, responsibilities, access procedures and research permissions will be clarified before participation.

Project Size: 1-24 participants

Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: six months

Minimum Age: 20

Experience Required: Applicants should have an academic background in archaeology, anthropology, geography, or a related discipline. Demonstrable proficiency in GIS, geospatial data management, and spatial analysis is highly desirable, particularly for candidates involved in landscape documentation and the analysis of ritual spatial organization. Previous archaeological or ethnographic fieldwork experience is preferred. Familiarity with ethnoarchaeological methods, cultural landscape research.

Room and Board Arrangements:
Local field housing and meals provided for project participants during fieldwork operations.

Academic Credit:
Available through prior arrangement with home institution