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Click here for actual (updated
Nov., 2007): Experiences from the Field |
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The Owambo (Ovambo),
migrating from central East Africa, settled in northern Namibia and
southern Angola in the mid sixteenth century. The Owambo were made of
several tribes. Today, there are still a number of tribes; however, most
fall into one of seven – Kwanyama; Ndonga; Kwambi; Ngandjera;
Mbalanhu (Mbalantu); Kwaluudhi and Eunda / Nkolonkadhi. The Owambo represent about
half of Namibia’s population. As such, they have maintained an active role
in politics. Suffering under colonial rule and apartheid, in the 1960’s
they were instrumental in starting SWAPO (South West Africa People’s
Organization) as a nonviolent pressure group. After decades of struggle,
in 1990 Namibia gained its independence and elected Sam Nujoma, an Owambo,
as its first president. Present Day life: Most of the Mbalantu live away from major transport routes in Owamboland. Owamboland is primarily flat, sandy and bisected by water courses. The northern areas receive more rain and do support belts of sub-tropical plants. Millet, maize and sorghum comprise the bulk of their crops. They supplement their agriculture and cattle farming with fishing, hunting and gathering. Shallow pools (oshanas), characteristic for the area, are the typical fishing sources. Their traditional crafts include pottery, wooden combs, wood and iron spears, decorated daggers, fertility dolls and ekipa (ivory buttons symbolizing a woman’s status or family wealth.) With the spread of small bars and food markets, they are increasingly becoming known as traders.
The Mbalantu tribe has
its own dialect which is not written but is closely related to others that
are. Their social organization runs primarily through the mother’s clan.
This determines inheritance and succession. A hereditary chief is the
traditional tribe leader, although there is a movement toward councils of
senior headman making decisions. The importance of community and tradition
is shown by their circular arrangement of homes with maze-like passages
leading to a central meeting place and the sacred fire. Much of their life
is spent and devoted to the community. You will find groups eating and
drinking from the same pots. Dancing, ceremonies, hunting, fishing and so
on are all shared aspects of life. Children, as well, are educated and
guided by every parent or adult. [Click on map above for a larger view] Religion: The Mbalantu believe that human nature is constant, and so, keeping cultural traditions and religious practices is very important. Kalunga is their Supreme Being. He is seen mostly as uninvolved in daily life so more significance is put on ancestral spirits and superstitions. Kalunga is believed to take the form of a man and roam invisibly in the villages. Some of their superstitions center on this belief. The onganga is the tribal diviner for intervening with the spirits and at times acts as the expert in herbal medicines. As is the case with many African tribes, the Mbalantu maintain a sacred fire (omulilo gwoshilongo) burning in the center of their village household. Summary: Over the past century the Mbalantu people have had some exposure to Christianity. However, they still mostly practice traditional ancestor worship, divination and mystical ceremonies. Today there are no Baptist churches among them and very little evangelical influence. They are a forgotten people. Will you help them to know Jesus? [Click on any photo above for a larger view] Go to the CONTACT US section to ask questions or to inform us of your decision to adopt a certain People Group.
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QUESTIONS: swacsf@telkomsa.net Website Tech Email
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