Otjikaiva, one of a kind

A first-of-its-kind festival will be held in Windhoek to celebrate the uniqueness of a Namibian tribe’s headpiece known as the otjikaiva by the Ovaherero. The Otjikaiva Festival organising committee at the launch in Windhoek couldn’t stress enough, the fact that it is more than just a headpiece but part of their heritage and culture. The simple yet important purpose of the festival is to educate young people, especially, on the history of the headpiece and celebrate it.“Otjikaiva is the unique styled headpiece worn with the Herero dress. A Herero woman is never complete if she does not own Otjikaiva,” said Grace Pujatura, one of the organisers.The otjikaiva has gone through transitions dating a few generations which will all be showcased at the festival. Pujatura says modernisation should not have an effect on culture and that is what they want to let the youth know about its safeguarding.Some of the teachings that will be done at the festival include how to make the otjikaiva headpiece, how it is worn, and the importance of preserving the culture. At the festival, talks as to why the otjikaiva cannot be worn with pants or clothes that are regarded as revealing will be held with the youth. “Firstly the otjikaiva cannot be worn with anything that doesn’t cover the feet or shoulders. We are aware of the recent social media discussions and that is why we encourage everyone to come out in numbers so they learn from those with knowledge,” said Pujatura. The festival, held at the Habitat Research and Development Centre in Windhoek on 2 April. It starts at 08:00 and the public - from all tribes - are welcome to attend. There will be food and Ovaherero jewellery and dresses to be sold. June Shimuoshili

Otjikaiva, one of a kind

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Namibian Sun 2026-03-05

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Otjikaiva, one of a kind

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Namibian Sun 2026-03-05

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