TITLE:
From Grinding Hollows to Information Communication Technology through Media in Selecting Prospective Fiancées: Evidence from Wasukuma Socio-Cultural Practices in Tanzania
AUTHORS:
Charles B. Saanane, S. Faru
KEYWORDS:
Fiancée(s), Mega-Stone Objects, Grinding Hollows, Antiquities Policy, Cultural Policy
JOURNAL NAME:
International Journal of Geosciences,
Vol.8 No.9,
September
28,
2017
ABSTRACT: This paper presents results from investigation of cultural transformations
exhibited by Wasukuma youth in regard to getting fiancées in Ngasamo
ward, Busega district, Simiyu region, Tanzania. The Main Objective was to
assess the manner former Wasukuma young men used mega-stone objects
in selecting prospective fiancées and compare with the current trend of using
media in some areas of Bariadi district, Simiyu region. Specific Objectives
included the following: to relocate tangible cultural heritage resources
(mega-stones) used by Wasukuma young men in former times for getting
fiancées in Simiyu region; to identify electronic media used by Wasukuma
young men of today to communicate in a bid to get fiancées in Simiyu region;
and to provide suggestions for pertinent protection, conservation as
well as presentation of cultural heritage resources. Such investigation was
carried out through surveys that included field observation, documentation
together with records for Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates per
surveyed locality and key informant interviews. Results from the study identified
granite rock boulders that were used as grinding stones for cereals
such that they formed grinding hollows. Besides production of flour for
making food like stiff porridge or soft porridge, such grinding hollows were
used by youth of former times to identify hard working young ladies who
could be useful for becoming life partners. Such cultural heritage assets need
sustainable preservation as well as conservation plans in line with Antiqui-ties Act, Antiquities Rules and Monuments of 1980, Cultural Policy of 1997
together with Antiquities Policy of 2008. On the other hand, today’s youth
in Bariadi area, Simiyu region and elsewhere in Usukuma areas, for instance,
Kwimba district in Mwanza region used such mega-stones with the
same purposes. However, currently, youth are using Information Communication
Technology (ICT), for example, electronic media through television,
mobile phones and the like to communicate with young ladies so as to
build a permanent bond that could culminate to marriage.