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| Empaako naming among the Batuku community |
This book presents a comprehensive documentation in form of text,
transcription and photography of the Empaako naming system.
The first chapter introduces five bearer communities of Empaako
naming system which have been covered by this research and two chapters that
follow bring out the definition, interpretations, translations and theories of
the origin of Empaako naming system as a cultural practice.
Chapters four and five dwell on description, preparations and
performances of Empaako naming rituals and ceremonies and explanation of the
underlying spirituality and social philosophy in five Empaako naming
communities.
Chapter six expands on the social functions of Empaako names in daily
life of the bearers in the interactions with the immediate others in the
context of the culture within its community and society. The underlying final
meaning and interpretation is also explained.
Both the risks and threats of the entire Empaako practice in the
context of the changing religious, social and economic contexts are explained
in chapter seven which also articulates the safeguarding measures being
undertaken and their emerging results.
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| Empaako naming among the Banyoro community |
This documentation which is also presented in audio-visual formats
has reclaimed the hither to disappearing complex knowledge about Empaako
practice and especially its attendant naming rituals and ceremonies and their
spiritual and moral meanings and interpretations. The documentation which has
been done with massive participation of the bearers, practitioners, custodians
and stakeholders has edited the details of the practice especially on naming
rituals and perceived meaning in the details of the practical use of Empaako
names, in order to adapt the practice to the changing social, economic and
religious context of communities. The enduring values, meaning and practices in
this heritage have been consolidated and promoted while the meanings and
actions that have been outlived by time and the changing contexts have not been
given much emphasis. Such meanings and actions practiced by some families which
have been edited out included those that can be mistaken not to be compliant
with fundamental human rights as enshrined in international instruments, those
actions which the changing economic and structural contexts render them unpractical
and those, actions and meaning which set a sharp conflict with the changing
religious context from traditional religions to the emerging modern religions
where most of the Empaako bearers are irreversibly moving.
The overall objective of the documentation was to improve the
viability of Empaako practice by reclaiming the disappearing knowledge,
promoting enduring values and removing distortions so that Empaako naming
system as a cultural practice is conveniently transmitted by its bearers to
successive generations.
Currently Engabu Za
Tooro is implementing a UNESCO co-funded Project UGA 01210 which focuses on
documentation and revitalization of Empaako naming rituals and practices in
Uganda.
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