Ombu Heritage Festival – a Cultural Compass

The recent Ombu Heritage Festival at Otjiwarongo drew a considerable number of attendees from across Namibia – all eager to celebrate their rich heritage.

While many outside observers may only see the striking traditional attire or the spectacle of cattle-slaughtering ceremonies, the Ovaherero culture runs far deeper.

It is rooted in complex systems of kinship, matriarchal influence and a unique blend of spiritual and practical customs.

The Ovaherero trace their origins to the Great Lakes region of East Africa.

They migrated southward in the 16th and 17th centuries, eventually settling in what are now Namibia, Botswana and Angola.

Their journey to Namibia culminated in the 18th century when they made their home in central and eastern parts of the country.

As pastoralists, the Ovaherero found the grasslands ideal for raising livestock and their culture became deeply intertwined with cattle, which continue to hold significant spiritual and economic value.

DOUBLE DESCENT

One of the most unique and defining aspects of the Ovaherero is their system of double descent, which governs both social relationships and spiritual practices.

Unlike many cultures the Ovaherero lineage is traced through both the paternal and maternal lines.

The father’s lineage is known as oruzo, while the mother’s lineage is called ejanda. This dual affiliation is central to understanding the group’s social structure and cultural practices.

Oruzo dictates religious practices, particularly those surrounding the holy fire, which holds deep spiritual significance for the Ovaherero.

The fire represents the presence of ancestors and is a symbol of protection.

On the other hand, ejanda governs material inheritance and social relationships. For example, members of the same ejanda are considered blood relatives and are not permitted to marry, ensuring that familial bonds are respected and maintained.

Cousins born of an uncle and aunt may marry, but those born of two brothers or two sisters are strictly prohibited from doing so.

These practices ensure that the Ovaherero maintain a delicate balance between tradition and familial structure, upholding both spiritual and social integrity.

PASTORALISM AND CATTLE

Historically, the Ovaherero were nomadic herders, relying on cattle as their primary source of wealth and sustenance. However, the arrival of European settlers and the Nama people from South Africa forced them to establish permanent homesteads to mark territorial boundaries.

Even today, the Ovaherero’s way of life is intricately linked to their cattle, which carry deep sentimental and cultural value.

Young men traditionally tend to the cattle at remote outposts, called ozohambo, while women, children and the elderly stay in the permanent homesteads. Cattle are seen as a symbol of wealth and are integral to important cultural ceremonies.

One such ceremony was on full display at the Ombu Heritage Festival.

A cow was slaughtered in a traditional manner, asphyxiated by pressing the knee against its throat. The way the cattle are slaughtered and divided is governed by specific rules and the kind of celebration or ceremony to be conducted.

The cow’s carcass was then carefully skinned, beginning with a precise cut down its centre, a process carried out with great respect and skill.

Cattle, for the Ovaherero, are not merely livestock; they are a bridge between the physical and spiritual realms, linking the past and future through tradition.

CULTURAL EXPRESSIONS

One of the most captivating aspects of the Ovaherero culture is music and dance. During the festival, the chant of ‘Ondoro’ – a song of bravery and courage – filled the air as men prepared for symbolic battle.

The song, traditionally sung before combat or during commemorations, evokes feelings of strength and unity. As the men march forward, waving their weapons, the women stand behind them, responding with ‘Ombimbi’, a song of encouragement and pride.

At the heart of Ovaherero spirituality is the ‘Holy Fire’, or Okuruwo. This sacred flame serves as a medium for communication with ancestors, who in turn intercede with Ndjambi, or God. The Holy Fire is integral to Ovaherero ceremonies, marking events such as marriages, blessings and health rituals. It symbolises the life-giving connection between the living and the deceased, with the smoke representing the link between ancestors and God.

CLEARING MISCONCEPTIONS

While many are familiar with the Ovaherero’s distinctive Victorian-inspired dress, often worn by women in honour of the past, few understand the cultural depth behind their traditions.

One common misconception is that Ovaherero customs are purely patriarchal, but in reality, women play a central role in their society.

The Ovaherero culture is deeply rooted in matriarchal influence, with women controlling the homestead and playing a significant role in decision-making. Unlike many traditions, the ‘governing’ power is passed down from matrilineal lines as opposed to patrilineal lines.

Through the concept of otjiramwe, a system of responsibility and authority, leadership roles are determined not by age, but by birth lines.

This creates a balance between the genders, with men and women sharing leadership responsibilities within their families and communities.

For instance, ohongaze refers to the relationship between two females, while inyangu represents the relationship between two males.

These roles ensure that both men and women contribute equally to the social fabric of the community.

Another example of evolving traditions is the Ovaherero attire. Once rooted in simple leather garments, the introduction of Victorian-style dresses during colonial times transformed the way Ovaherero women dressed.

The otjikaiva headdress, which symbolises the horns of cattle, remains a distinctive feature of Ova-herero women’s attire, serving as both a tribute to the past and a reflection of their pride in their heritage.

Ovaherero men have also adapted their dress to reflect their history, donning military-style garb to honour ancestors who resisted colonisation.

OMBU CULTURAL VILLAGE

Founded by Vetumbuavi Mungunda, the importance of preserving and promoting the Ovaherero culture is central to the mission of the Ombu Cultural Village.

The site seeks to enhance intercultural understanding and ensures that the traditions of the Ovaherero continue to thrive in modern Namibia.

“Intentional preservation of historical knowledge of our culture allows us to pass it down to future generations. This serves as a guideline and ensures little to no deviation from our ancient practices, therefore preserving our identity,” Mungunda says.

– Additional information: Ombu Heritage Museum