The Konso or Konzo people are an ethnic group in south-central Ethiopia. According to the 2007 national census, they numbered 250,430 of whom 10,470 or 4.18% are urban dwellers. Over 87% live in the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and People's Region.[1]
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The Konso are a Kushitic people. Their territory is surrounded by the land of the Oromo,Derashe, Burgi, Gewada and some of south Omo poples. They live in large towns, each governed by a council of elders.
Polygyny is an accepted practice among the Konso.[2]
Konso society is largely agricultural and involves the irrigation and terracing of mountain slopes. Staple crops include sorghum and corn, with cash crops including cotton and coffee. Cattle, sheep, and goats are raised for food and milk.[2]
The Konso erect what are known as wagas, which are carvings created in memory of a dead man who has killed an enemy or animal. The statues are often arranged in groups, with statues representing the man, his wives, and his adversaries present.[2]