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 shared equally. This philosophy led to conflict during the 19th century when the Nama and Herero peoples, seeking better grazing lands, displaced the Damara from their territories. Many Damara were subjugated and worked as laborers in Nama and Herero households.

In the 1960s, the South African apartheid regime forcibly relocated the Damara to the Damaraland bantustan, an area with poor soil and inconsistent rainfall. This relocation disrupted their traditional lifestyle and created significant challenges, though many Damara continue to reside in this region.

Cultural practices are a vital part of Damara identity. Men traditionally wore the ǃgūb (loincloth), while women adopted ankle-length Victorian-style dresses introduced by missionaries. These dresses remain a symbol of their heritage today.

Genetic studies reveal the Damara’s close relationship to the Himba and Herero peoples, aligning with their shared Bantu ancestry. However, their language and cultural practices have evolved uniquely. Despite historical adversities, the Damara people have preserved their rich traditions, contributing to Namibia’s cultural diversity while adapting to modern societal changes.