Unit Eight: Political, Social and Economic Processes in Ethiopia Mid-16th-19th C

Vocabulary flashcards covering the political, social, and economic structures and key historical figures of Ethiopian states between the mid-16th and 19th centuries.

Tato

The title of the king of the Kingdom of Kafa and the Yem state.

Mowa

The dynasty that ruled the Kingdom of Kafa.

Mikkerecho

An advisory council of nobles that assisted the king and chose the successor in the Kafa kingdom.

Kuripo

Deep trenches dug in Kafa as a defensive barrier.

Astessors

The twelve councilors of the Yem state, led by the waso, who made decisions on wars and administration.

Wolaita Malla

The ruling dynasty of Wolaita associated with the kingdom of Damot, with Motalami as its traditional first king.

Kawo

The title used for hereditary kings in Wolaita, Gamo, and Gofa.

Kati

The title used for the hereditary leaders of the Dawuro and Konta people.

Kawuka

An immigrant clan that established the Dawuro state in the 16th century.

Dere

The 40 to 55 politically autonomous units that organized the Gamo people.

Duletha

The major administrative dere assembly of the Gamo people.

Kella

The term for fortifications used by Omotic states to defend their boundaries.

Sera

The administrative system used by the Hadiya people.

Woma

The title of the king or supreme judge among the Sidama people and the leader of the Halaba.

Luwa

Ceremonies held once every eight years for the transfer of power among the Sidama.

Enset

The major food and staple crop for the Kafa, Omotic states, and Gurage people.

Mootii

The Oromo title for king, which evolved from the powerful Aba Dula (war leader) position.

Limmu-Ennarya

The earliest Gibe state, established on the territories of the older Ennarya state with its center at Saqqa.

Abba Jifar I

The founder of the state of Jimma, also known as Sanna (r. 1830-1855).

Silent Commerce

A form of trade identified in the western Ethio-Sudanese border area, likely resulting from language barriers.

Zumbara

A unique musical instrument used by the people of Benishangul Gumuz.

Emir Ali Ibn Dawd

The founder of the local Harari dynasty in the middle of the 17th century.

Afar Triangle

A region in the Horn of Africa including parts of Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Djibouti where the Afar people reside.

Amole

Rock salt from Afar land used for various purposes and as currency for a long period.

Shir

The Somali indigenous governing structure consisting of a council of elders.

Fasiladas

The Gondarine king who founded Gondar as a permanent capital around 1636.

Jeberti

Ethiopian Muslim traders who were active in Gondar.

Itege Mentewab

The Quara born wife of Emperor Bakafa who ruled as regent for her son Iyasu II and grandson Iyoas.

Ras Michael Sehul

The powerful warlord of Tigrai who assassinated King Iyoas in 1769, marking the start of the Zemene Mesafint.

Zemene Mesafint

The Era of Warlords (1769–1855), a period when political power was held by regional lords rather than the monarchy.

Yejju Dynasty

Also known as Warra Sheh, a ruling dynasty founded by Ali Gwangul (Ali I) in 1786.