Paper short abstract:

The paper deals with discussions of identification in times of rapid change among the Arbore of Southern Ethiopia. I describe advocating practices of women and girls concerning issues of tradition and change in this pastoral, patrilineal society.

Paper long abstract:

The paper deals with discussions of identification in times of rapid change among the Arbore of Southern Ethiopia. I describe advocating practices of women and girls concerning issues of tradition and change in this pastoral, patrilineal society.

One focus lies on innovative practices that are meant to secure the recent peace efforts of the Arbore concerning interethnic warfare and the modifications this means both for men and women regarding former ideals of war and killer ethos.

A second focus deals with the agency of unmarried girls. In an environment of commonly pursued change, Arbore girls apply a rather radical adherence to traditional practices, especially circumcision, against their parents' opinion and intensive efforts of the Ethiopian government and NGO's.

Actors, positions and backgrounds of these developments will be introduced and evaluated.