From Grinding Hollows to Information Communication Technology through Media in Selecting Prospective Fiancées: Evidence from Wasukuma Socio-Cultural Practices in Tanzania

摘要

style="text-align:justify;"> 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.