This is a traditional split bamboo plaited roundhouse by the
Sidama people of Ethiopia. The dome, with its pointy top, is
designed to shed heavy rainfall where a circular dome would have a
flat region prone to leaks. Bamboo once played an important role
in the rural economies of East Africa but indiscriminate clearing
of natural bamboo forests have resulted in losing natural
resources and many of the traditional building skills. You can
find out more about traditional bamboo construction at
The International
Network for Bamboo and Rattan. |