OvaHerero

History

The Ovaherero people migrated from East Africa to present-day Namibia around the 16th century.

Bringing vast herds of cattle, sheep, and goats with them as a pastoralist community.

Their entire way of life revolved around these animals.

Cattle are central to their way of life, not just for sustenance but also as a symbol of wealth and status.

They historically lived in communities organized around cattle kraal.

Their homes were often made using a mix of cow dung and mud.

During the 1904 genocide, many Ovaherero fled Namibia to neighboring countries like Botswana and South Africa.

However, a considerable number eventually returned to Namibia.

Today, you can find significant Herero populations in Namibia, Botswana, and Angola.

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Food

The Herero rely on their livestock for the majority of their food. These animals provide crucial nourishment through their meat and milk. They ensure the full utilization of slaughtered animals. The skin is repurposed into mats, while the tail serves various traditional functions, occasionally being used as a broom for their huts

Meat

Meat holds a central place in their diet, with certain parts designated solely for males, females, or adults.

For instance, children don't eat tongue, while the pelvic part is reserved for males.

Sour Milk

Omaere (Sour milk), a significant part of traditional Herero culture, is produced by women who handle the milking and acidification of milk.

Girls are taught these techniques from an early age.

Traditional Butter

Herero make their own butter. It is made by shaking milk in a container called ondjupa.

The production is usually done during rainy seasons. During droughts, milk is preserved for calves.

Attire

The women's distinctive Victorian-style dress is known as "Ozonde".Ovaherero added a distinctive horn-like headscarf known as "Otjikaiva".

Otjikaiva is typically crafted from fabric matching the dress. This horned feature symbolizes the revered cattle, representing wealth and status within their communities.

Over time, the dress patterns have evolved, and the otjikaiva has taken on a more defined shape.

These dresses have become a canvas for vibrant colors and incorporate various modern patterns, showcasing the Ovaherero's adaptation to contemporary influences while preserving their cultural identity.

Entertainment

Traditional Dance

During "Omuhiva" dance, a men emulate the movements of cattle. They do this by stamping their feet, kicking up dust mimicking the upraised horns through swaying motions.

During "Outjina", a female leads. Dancer ties long flat wooden piece to her feet, creating captivating sounds while stamping. Others form a circle around the main dancer,singing, and clapping.

Oviritje Music

Oviritje music, while initially performed without instruments, today, keyboardists, producers, and both male and female artists contribute to this genre. Scroll below to see and listen to the music.

In the early 2000s, groups like OBullet, OThe-wire, and Okazera were prominent, but solo artists have become more prevalent. People now commission songs for special occasions like weddings, birthdays, or graduations.

However, older generations still tend to prefer Herero hymns from the bible, outjina, and muhiva, over Oviritje.