The Guji tribe embraces three sub-tribes. These sub-tribes are called Huraga, Mati and Hokku. Such sub-division, of the tribe is told in Guji oral traditions. The tribal father of the Guji was known as Gujoo. It seems that it was from this name that the present name of the tribe had originated. It is said that Gujoo had three sons from his first wife. He named the sons Huraga, Mati and Hokku.
The Guji live in a large territory found in South Ethiopia at approximately, 450 k.ms. away from Addis Ababa. The area is bordering with Borana in the South, Walayta and Gamo Gofa in the West, Sidama and Gedeo in the North, and Bale and Arsi in the East.
All members of the tribe live mixed and scattered on the large territory without any conflict and cultural or political differences among them. They consider each other as brothers and sisters, act together in times of war and practice Gada rituals together.
The old, aged and peculiar Oromo tradition, the Gada system, is still functional and practiced by the Guji Oromo. The Oromo Gada system seems to be uncommon among Oromo in other parts of the country. However, the Guji and Borana Oromos have kept the Gada institution and its rituals fresh with its flavor. In these people, it has been serving as an institution that regulates the social, political, cultural and economic norms and events.
The Guji tribe embraces three sub-tribes. These sub-tribes are called Huraga, Mati and Hokku. Such sub-division, of the tribe is told in Guji oral traditions. The tribal father of the Guji was known as Gujoo. It seems that it was from this name that the present name of the tribe had originated. It is said that Gujoo had three sons from his first wife. He named the sons Huraga, Mati and Hokku.
The Guji live in a large territory found in South Ethiopia at approximately, 450 k.ms. away from Addis Ababa. The area is bordering with Borana in the South, Walayta and Gamo Gofa in the West, Sidama and Gedeo in the North, and Bale and Arsi in the East.
All members of the tribe live mixed and scattered on the large territory without any conflict and cultural or political differences among them. They consider each other as brothers and sisters, act together in times of war and practice Gada rituals together.
The old, aged and peculiar Oromo tradition, the Gada system, is still functional and practiced by the Guji Oromo. The Oromo Gada system seems to be uncommon among Oromo in other parts of the country. However, the Guji and Borana Oromos have kept the Gada institution and its rituals fresh with its flavor. In these people, it has been serving as an institution that regulates the social, political, cultural and economic norms and events.