02 Jun 2022

In an effort to resuscitate and sustain cultures, the Ovaherero and Ovambanderu tribes will on Saturday June 4, host a cultural festival, showcasing their wardrobe at Gabane Community Hall.

The event will predominantly focus on the traditional attire of the two tribes.

The event organiser, Vatjizatjike Ndjavera said the sister tribes had over the years engaged in various cultural activities with a view to sustain their traditions, and cultural norms.

Ndjavera said the festival would be held under the theme; Omuzaro Uetu; Ondjendero No Ndanaukiro, which literally translates to, ‘Our Attire; The Transformational Journey.

The cultural episode, he said, would display the transformation in the attires of the two tribes from time immemorial.

“This year, our focus will be on the transformational journey of our attire. 

The display will include the olden day leather outfit, through to the current dress code.

“Our symbolic attire including the Otjikaiva, the traditional headgear worn by married women and the famous dress as well as the Oturupa, the gear worn by scout troops at special gatherings, will be on display,” said Ndjavera.

Although related in their culture, Ndjavera said the Ovaherero attire was predominantly red, while the Ovambanderu clothing line was primarily dominated by the green colour.

Ndjavera said the Ovaherero and Ovambanderu like other ethnic groups, were affected by global changes, and were gradually losing their identity in terms of language and clothing.

Therefore, Ndjavera said with the festival, the Ovaherero and the Ovambanderu were making efforts to sustain their culture. 

He noted that in some villages, the two tribes had completely lost their language.

As such, the activities would help them recollect and ultimately revive their culture.

Other than displaying their cultural clothing line, Ndjavera said the event would also feature presentations on the culture, traditions and norms of the two tribes.

He added that the entertainment part would also feature artists from Namibia, who would also present items that were related to the cultures of the two tribes.

Though predominantly located in the Ngamiland, Ndjavera said the Ovaherero and the Ovambanderu were found all over the country. 

Some are found at Charleshill, Gabane, Tsabong, Omaweneno, Draaihoek, Okotjize (commonly known as Dikgatlhong), Mahalapye, Toromoja and Rakops. Ends