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The Damara people
The Damara people are an indigenous ethnic group in Namibia, constituting approximately 8.5% of the country’s population. They predominantly speak Khoekhoe, a language shared with the Nama people, and are primarily located in northwestern Namibia, though their communities are spread throughout the nation. Historically, the Damara were hunter-gatherers who also practiced pastoralism and agriculture. They raised livestock, including sheep and cattle, and grew crops such as pumpkins, corn, and tobacco. Renowned for their craftsmanship, the Damara were skilled copper-smiths, creating intricate ornaments, tools, and weapons. The Damara’s belief in communal land ownership distinguished them from other groups in the region. They viewed land as a divine gift meant to be…
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The Nama people
The Nama people are an indigenous African ethnic group primarily found in Namibia, with smaller populations in Botswana and South Africa. They are part of the larger Khoikhoi ethnic group, which includes the Khoisan people, known for their distinctive click languages. The Nama speak the Nama language, which belongs to the Khoe-Kwadi language family. While many Nama people retain their native language, Afrikaans has become widely spoken due to historical and socio-political influences. Historically, the Nama lived as pastoralists, herding cattle, sheep, and goats in the arid regions of southern Africa, particularly around the Orange River in southern Namibia and northern South Africa. Their nomadic lifestyle was adapted to the…
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The Kavango people
The Kavango people, also known as the vaKavango or haKavango, are a Bantu ethnic group residing along the Kavango River, which forms part of the border between Namibia and Angola. Their traditional homeland is the Kavango Region in Namibia, where they have lived for centuries, with a lifestyle deeply tied to the river and its surrounding environments. The Kavango people are largely riverine, relying on fishing, livestock farming, and agriculture for their livelihoods. Pearl millet is their main crop, used to prepare staple dishes like porridge, and it is also fermented to make a traditional drink. The Kavango people are divided into five kingdoms: Kwangali, Mbunza, Shambyu, Gciriku, and Mbukushu.…
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The Himba
The Himba are a semi-nomadic ethnic group predominantly found in the Kunene Region of northern Namibia and across the Kunene River in southern Angola. With an estimated population of about 50,000, the Himba are among the last semi-nomadic pastoralists in Namibia, maintaining their traditional way of life in a rapidly changing world. The Himba people speak OtjiHimba, a variety of the Herero language, which belongs to the Bantu language family. Their language, like their culture, is an integral part of their identity, preserving centuries of heritage and traditions. Although related to the Herero people, the Himba are distinct in several ways, particularly in their lifestyle and customs. They are known…
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The Herero people
The Herero people, also known as Ovaherero, are a Bantu ethnic group primarily found in Southern Africa, with the largest population residing in Namibia. According to the 2023 census, there are approximately 179,000 Herero people in Namibia, while smaller communities can be found in Botswana, Angola, and South Africa. The Herero speak Otjiherero, a Bantu language, and many also speak English, with some older generations using Namibian Black German. Traditionally, the Herero are pastoralists, with cattle playing a central role in their daily life and economy. Unlike many other Bantu groups who are primarily subsistence farmers, the Herero have historically focused on livestock husbandry, particularly cattle. This pastoral lifestyle is…
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The Ovambo people
The Ovambo people are a large Bantu ethnic group primarily found in northern Namibia and southern Angola, particularly in the Cunene Province. With an estimated population of around 2.2 million, they represent the largest ethnic group in Namibia, accounting for nearly half of the country’s population. In Angola, they form a smaller minority, often referred to as “Ambo” in the southern regions. The Ovambo people speak Oshiwambo, a Bantu language, with several dialects corresponding to their various sub-tribes. Historically, the Ovambo lived in a region known as Ovamboland, characterized by flat, sandy plains irrigated by seasonal watercourses called oshanis. These oshanis create temporary lakes and islands during the rainy season,…
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The Yeyi people
The Yeyi people, also known as the Mayeyi or Bayeyi, are a Bantu-speaking ethnic group native to Southern Africa, with significant populations in Botswana and Namibia. They are part of the larger Lozi ethnic group and have a rich history that dates back to their migration in the 18th century. The Yeyi people migrated southward from the north and settled in the Ngamiland region of Botswana and parts of Namibia. Upon their arrival, they integrated with the San people, particularly the Xanikhwe clan, who had already established their presence in the area. The relationship between the Yeyi and the San was based on cooperation, with the Yeyi learning many survival…
