Power Consolidation Modernization and Commercial Splendor

This research investigates the pre-colonial kingdom of Wolaita (1500’s-1894) that was founded by Shuma Gibe (Shum Gayim); a Tigre Malla king who traces his origin from Tembien of Tigray. The research had concluded that pre-colonial kingdom of Wolaita was far better than the post 1894 Wolaita Awuraja in socio-economic and administrative novelty. The research also identified that the conquest of Emperor Menilik II had twisted the prestige of ordinary Wolaita into the subject people whose values religion language dignity indigenous knowledge of administration innovation architecture and olden trade routes were either totally abandoned or deliberately marginalized in favor of the conquering Showa. Finally the denial of the history of Wolaita’s contribution in the battle of Adwa and degrading of the status of indigenous cottage industry had been presented as an indicator of the degree of post conquest marginalization and societal disorder.