Shashamane Rastafari Community
Shashamane
A Jamaican Rastafari migrant community formed after Emperor Haile Selassie gave land to Black people of the Western Hemisphere, with a museum and art gallery.
Shashamane lies about 25 km north of Hawassa and is a transport hub on the north-south highway. In 1948, Emperor Haile Selassie granted land here to Black people of the Western Hemisphere who had supported Ethiopia's resistance against Italy. Rastafarians from Jamaica and elsewhere later settled here, creating a community known as 'Jamaica.' Visitors can see the Black Lion Museum, the Rasta Art Gallery, and the headquarters of the Twelve Tribes of Israel, and learn about Rastafari beliefs and the Back-to-Africa movement. Some residents give talks and sell handicrafts and reggae records. Visits are best made with a local guide; respect religious customs and ask before taking photos. The town of Shashamane itself is rather chaotic, so keep an eye on your belongings.
Opening hours
Daytime (museum hours vary)
Nearby sights
- Wondo Genet Hot Springs
- Gudumale
- Amora Gedel Park
- Mount Tabor
- Hawassa Fish Market
- Lake Hawassa
- Abijatta-Shalla Lakes National Park
- Lake Langano