| Menjiye Tabeta
Qagnazmach Amarga Oqubato used to own this land. He liked me and when I came here he gave me some land on which to build a house and grow some food. In return, because I am a Fuga, I made all kinds of wooden things for him: chairs, beds, tables, headrests, bowls, combs, and many other things. People generally call us Fuga, which is a term that means "despised." My people call themselves, Gamas. We are not allowed to marry anyone from another clan, formerly [before 1974] we were not allowed to own land, and we cannot enter Gurage religious shrines. We are denied certain privileges because we are Fuga, but we have our own religious beliefs, our own language, our own traditions. Fuga are important. We make things that Gurages cannot live without-most of the furniture and kitchen utensils found in the house, even the central supporting pole and roof beams of their houses are carved by Fuga. My father taught me how to carve, and while the Italians were here I learned some new wood working techniques-they showed me how to make objects like beds and chairs. I like foreigners, and they seem to like me. Shack used to come visit me a lot and ask me questions like you are asking.[1] When the piscor [Peace Corps] was here, I had many American friends. I can't tell you whether I am a good woodcarver. Why don't you ask these people around here, they'll tell you. There is wood, give me some time and I will show you what I can do. |
I was born in Dalocha [in Eastern Gurageland] about 65 years ago but I have lived here in Qweshe for most of my life. My mother gave birth to six children, two girls and four boys. My brother, Issaq, who is here, became a Muslim. He is now old and frail, but he used to be a fine carver. His son, Ali, is a good carver.