Ovambo
The
Owambo, mainly involved in agriculture and cattle farming, make
up more 50 per cent of the Namibia's population. The Owambo is actually
a collection of various tribes with a common culture and origin
who moved to this region from East Africa. Today the various groups
live in southern Angola and another eight in the northern Namibia,
with the largest tribe called the Kwanyama.
They are also known as traders, and
shopping complexes, stalls and cuca shops are found all over their
region. The women are involved in intricate artwork and crafting
like dressmaking, pottery, basketry and woodcarving. Like in many
African cultures, the women are also traditionally responsible for
cultivating the land and raising children. Many Owambo's now work
on mines or have moved to cities, however, the majority take pride
in their heritage and identity and continue to maintain their kraals
(a village consisting of traditional houses and a fence around it
as protection).
The Owambo is actively involved in
the politics of the country. SWAPO (South West Africa People's Organisation),
the current ruling party started as non-violent pressure group who
led by Herman Toivo ya Toivo and Samuel Shafiishuna Nujoma (today's
firstly elected president).
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