Bartels
Oromo Religion. Myths and Rites of the Western Oromo of Ethiopia
ISBN 978-3-88345-338-5
englischThis book is a pathbreaking and absorbing survey of the religious life, concepts, and worldview of the Matcha Oromo of Wälläga province. Pathbreaking, because it contains the first substantial study of Oromo religion that has appeared for a long time, taking the views and statements of the Oromo themselves as the first source; absorbing, because this book is an inspired, sincere, and very interesting account, that evokes deep admiration. ... It is an invaluable sourcebook containing many new data (prayers, texts, native explanations, stories, ritual formula, etc.) and as such it is a work to read and consult many times. It is destined to become a classic. (J. Abbink in Anthropos 1985)
This is in many ways an admirable book. It demonstrates the author's command of the Oromo language, and his love for the Oromo people. This together with his choice of able assistants and the considerable latitude he gave them to articulate their own religious concepts, his fascinating observation of numerous ceremonies and his excellent interpretation of them, all make this an invaluable and much needed work of reference on the study of Oromo society. (Mohammed Hassen in Man 1985)
This book belongs squarely in the rich tradition of Catholic missionary-anthropology ... It is a treasure-house of carefully and lovingly gathered detail on the rituals and beliefs of the western Matcha Oromo, in the main as they are reconstructed as 'tradition' in conversations with both younger and older informants ... this study, dedicated to the Oromo people, is a valuable document of their current quest for an authentic and self-identifying past. (Wendy James in Journal of Religion in Africa 1987)
