Household perception of ethnic material culture in socio-economic enterprises in Kanoni and Engari-sya sub-counties of Kiruhura District, S.W.Uganda

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the importance of ethnic material culture particularly basket making and wood carving in household socio-economic enterprises in Kanoni and Engari-sya sub-counties in Kiruhura district, S.W. Uganda. The study reviewed eshekuru and orugari to illustrate the importance of ethnic material culture in household socio-economic enterprises. The study was based on ethnographic data collected from twelve participants using snowball approach. The study findings revealed that household perception of ethnic material culture was based on Western influenced ideologies such as those of education, religion, and mode of governance on one hand and on the other hand, it was based on household cultural pride. Household’s perception of appropriate ethnic material culture was one that did not conflict with the Western religious doctrines, education system or prescribed government policies. Moreover, households wanted to keep and use ethnic material culture that made them unique and proud of their traditional cultural values. The study proposed and recommended a policy shift that promotes the use of ethnic material culture in household enterprises because it was found out that most households use it to augment government supported programs.