Abstract:
Many scholars have produced many books and materials about the political, economical and socio
economical issues of Ethiopia. But they did almost nothing or little about the socio- cultural history of
Ethiopia. Most of the studies presented as Ethiopian history lacked inclusiveness since most studies
focused only on political history of the country. In short, despite the available studies in economic and
political history, studies in social and cultural history are almost none. Hence, socio-cultural history is
one part of Ethiopian history, it has to be well studied and documented as much as possible. Of course,
there are historians and anthropologist who focuses on this issue since recent time. However, the socio
cultural history of every district in Ethiopia is not still well studied. Traditional belief and traditional
practices of zar cult, jin, Adbar, evil eye and witch in Estè district is still not studied yet. Therefore, this
study is intended to fill the gap by careful examining and tapping available primary sources and oral
information to construct the whole history of traditional belief and traditional practices in Estè district
to1991 A.D. The neglect of traditional beliefs and its practices in Historical study pushed me to focus on
these neglected common social norms. Therefore, in this study the concept of traditional beliefs, its
practice and its dynamics in each period is clearly stated. Of course, the absence of archival documents
which are related with this issue makes this study difficult. However, the researcher overcomes this
problem through careful use of related documents and informants as well. The serious problem, some
informants consider the researcher as a spy, but I have tried my level best to alleviate this problem in
searching of their own best in order to communicate with them in advance. I have used qualitative
methodology for the study of this thesis. Under this method both primary and secondary sources are used.
Archival documents avails in all archival sites are also used. The researcher also selected 44 informants
whom they were selected purposefully based on their intimacy to the issue under study. Accordingly, both
structured and unstructured interview methods were implemented. In the mean time, I have used
published sources, journal articles and historical thesis during the course of this study. All sources that I
have used are cross check each other and source analysis is made up on them. One source of testimony is
cross check by another one. After come across through this methodology this study is a new contribution
for the history of traditional beliefs and practices. It will also terminate the neglect of traditional beliefs
and its practices in historical studies. The study sheds light on these neglected issues in historical studies.
Above all, this study will introduce new cooperative approach among different fields of study, which will
introduce interdisciplinary frame work among History, Anthropology, Folklore, and Ethnograph