Abstract:
Ethnic interaction among the multiethnic nationalities of Ethiopia is common historical event
across history. Among the divers nations and nationalities of Ethiopia, the relation between Awi
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I' and Gumuz in northwest is discussed in the period under discussion.
The thesis begins with description and evaluation of traditions of the Awi settlement in Gojjam
and the resulting effects on Gumuz. The settlement of the Awi in Ag aw Meder and Mataka) had
a,dverse effects on the pre existing Gumuz people. The Awi continuously uprooted Gumuz from
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the region and the later left for inhospitable areas of Blue Nile. The paper also discuses, the
reaction of Awi and Gumuz against the expedition of the Solomonid kings from fourteen to
seventeenth century. However, after the second half of the seventeen century, Awi were
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incorporated into tae Gondarine politics and they appeared as the middlemen in facilitating the
state control over the Gumuz affairs. In line with this, attempts are made to explore the nature of
ethnic interaction in Gojjam in general and Awi-Gumuz in particular.
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Fur.rmore, the thesis discusses the incorporation of Agaw Meder and Mataka) into Gojjam
administrative unit since 1898. Years following this event marked the reappearance of series of
Awi chiefs over Gumuz. Awi emerged as the formidable chiefs and became responsible for state
control over every Gumuz affairs. Taxation, slave raiding and hunting in Gumuz land of Mataka)
became possible through Awi chief. Awi worsened slavery in Gumuz society and dominated
them in pqlitical, economic and social affairs. By the time, Awi involvement in enslaving Gumuz
and general patron-client relationship reached its peak until the Italian occupation (1936-1941) of
_a, Ethiopia. In relation to this, the paper investigated the effects of Italian propagandist policy in
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attracting the bandas from the Gumuz society.
ABSTRACT
The study also discusses the causes for the resistance of the Gumuz against Awi and nature of
interaction between these two people in the post liberation. After 1941, Awi resumed the legacy
of patron-client relationship and wanted to keep this statuesque forever. These were followed by
series of open and sporadic revolts of Gumuz against Awi since 1940s to early 1970s. Finally, it
explored changes and continuities in Awi- Gumuz interaction in the last quarter of the twentieth
century.