Konso belongs to the eastern Cushitic Ethnic groups and located in the Southern Nations, Nationalities and peoples Regional State being demarcated a special wereda. It is well know, for its artistic creative work known as Waka, carved and sculptured from indigenous trees such as Junipers podocarps, Olea Africa etc.

Waka is a wooden sculpture carved and erected for a memory of a hero who has killed enemies of the ethnic group and wild animals such as Lions, Leopards, Elephants, Hippopotamus etc. It is one of the Konso cultural properties such as Walled villages, Terraces, Stelae, Mora, (public place), Forest, and Water pond. Waka is carved to represent the physical bodies of the deceased hero, his wives and other properties. It is made by a craftsman who is paid not in cash but in kind such as foods and drinks. The carving and sculpturing of waka is organized by the family of the deceased hero. According to the tradition, his close relatives bring sheep, goats, honey and the traditional drink (Cheka) for the artesian to facilitate the process of the workmanship of the waka.

After the completion of carving and sculpturing the waka, a big erection ceremony is organized with the preparation of foods and drinks. In this ceremony, all relatives, friends, neighbors, known heroes and other people are present. All of them chant and hummed song for the memory of the deceased.

All expenses of waka carving and erection (money, labor and time) are covered by the family and close relatives of the dead hero. However, the ownership goes to the community, since it is erected on the cemetery of the deceased and on the main roads leading to the entrance gates of the walled villages. Thus it is protected and preserved by the whole community. In spite of all community efforts to protect and preserve the Konso waka, they are found in a precarious condition, being stolen and transported to other areas. Therefore, concerted efforts should be carried out by the local community, regional and federal authorities in order to safeguard such a unique valuable cultural heritage