| Bogine Shala
We have always had these things because they are things we need for daily life. Who knows who started these traditions? Our forefathers got the knowledge to do all this work from Tuma [the Sky God] when they were near the Omo River. I make bowls like this the same way my father did. Everybody does it like this. A good gongul is one which lasts, which is strong and can be used for a long time. If you have the right kind of wood, it is possible. The form should be straight, equal. This machete that I am using was bought in the market. We used to mine and smelt our own iron, but we don't anymore. Many of the iron tools and weapons that I have were made by local blacksmiths. When I make a bowl like this it is important to choose a good place in the forest and a good tree. It should not be too old, it should look healthy. A big side-branch is good for a small gongul. I cut this out with an ax and shape it. I take the wood home and start cutting it with a machete and sometimes with a knife. The cutting takes time. I finish the work with a knife. Then the wood has to dry. It is not used for the first weeks after it has been carved. What do I think about when I work? Well, I know how to do the work, I have done it very often. I can talk about anything when I work, there are always people around, or my wife, or the kids. I chat with them, and hear what they say. |
I was born in Goma here in the Me'en area 45 years ago. This is Me'en work, Me'en style. I used to watch my father and my uncles all the time make these things. I tried to make what they made. You asked me my profession? I am a farmer. Anyone can carve a gongul [wood bowl] like I am making for you.