Gun salute is a universal culture dating back to centuries. It involves firing of cannons loaded with gun powder which in the main is a mixture of Sulphur, carbon (charcoal) and potassium nitrate. Its origin is said to be associated with the military in Western and American cultures. While the cannons are fired by various means mounted on chariots and carts, in Luleha, they are fired mounted on bare ground.
Owhewhe is made of reinforced steel beaten into cylindrical shape with conical end, usually of average length of eight to ten inches and approximately one inch in diameter. The conical end has a perforation not at the tip but some distance from it. When stuck to the ground at an angle of about forty-five degrees to the horizontal, the perforation levels with the ground facing upwards.
They are loaded with gunpowder in the manner Dane guns are loaded and compressed with metal object. When loaded, a location is chosen usually an open space without obstructions with dry stable ground, not sandy or marshy. They are secured firmly to the ground.
The rhythm of the sound depends on the spacing which is measured by approximation or by oe-ebata. In the local setting, a measuring instrument is not usually necessary as the human adult foot (one oe-ebata) is approximately twelve inches. While some are spaced out, others are placed close with a group alternating the other to achieve the desired rhythm. They are connected by a thin line of gunpowder which when ignited triggers the loud explosions which could be heard miles away. Whether in straight line or zigzag, the rhythm is the same after the spacing has been determined.
The number is determined partly by the occasion and there is no limit. It commonly comes in multiple of seven and in odd number. Seven worldwide has historical and biblical significance. God created the heavens and the earth and all therein in six days and rested the seventh day.
Like in other cultures, Owhewhe in Luleha is an honour reserved for special occasions like communal celebrations, festivals, coronation or death of a king, burials (celebration of life) of chiefs and elders who lived to old age. When an old elder dies, Owhewhe heralds the news to the community and another set might be necessary on day three (ize) after the burial.
It is also used to mark the heroic exploits of a warrior-son who has returned from the warfront. A community celebrating a particular milestone can incorporate Owhewhe into the ceremony as determined by the elders. Owewhe whether in burial or other joyous celebration is a serious and almost sacred mark of honour not to be trivialized.
Although, no special permission is needed to include it in individual or family ceremonies, it amounts to reckless rascality and abuse of culture for a young man whether by reason of education, political position or wealth to incorporate Owhewhe into his private celebrations like birthday, wedding, house opening etc.
It does not seem primitive, mysterious or diabolical incorporating Owhewhe into deserving ceremonies. It is purely a mark of honour. It does not go against anyone’s faith, although some religious fanatics have argued in recent times that it is “sinful” to include Owhewhe in ceremonies. It is difficult to fathom on what basis is this new argument (thinking?), whether it is the metal used or the process to fabricate Owhewhe, the gunpowder or the sound that constitute “sin”. No one is targeted or harmed by it.
If we are excited to watch gun salutes organized by military, governments and watched with excitement on television the gun salute that announced the passing of Queen Elizabeth II of England, we have no reason not to uphold the place of Owhewhe in our tradition and culture. It is the same thing whether fired by modern aesthetically appealing equipment’s or pinned to the ground and ignited by hand!
