Talking museums in Ondangwa

Fashion designers, musicians and artists are just some of the Namibians who draw inspiration from our rich and diverse cultural heritage. Cultural diversity is what provides Namibia with its unique flavour and appearance. However, many of the objects that reflect pre-colonial belief systems and demonstrate the techniques and materials used to make things, can no longer be found in our communities. The Museums Association of Namibia (MAN) recently organised a workshop in Ondangwa aimed to showing ways in which cultural knowledge can be preserved or revived. Martti Rautanenen known as 'Nakambale' became the leader of the Finnish missionaries who arrived in northern Namibia in the late nineteenth century. He lived at Olukonda and his home is now known as the Nakambale Museum. Whilst in Namibia, he assembled a collection of 127 objects that reflected the lifestyle and beliefs of the local community. Elia Irimari, the regional councillor for Ondangwa, argued that cultural heritage should play an important role in development.

The collection is currently held by the National Museum of Finland but the museum has provided MAN with photographs of all the objects. Local historians who attended as participants at the workshop were able to view the photographs and interpret their meanings. MAN will also obtain a translation from Finland of a catalogue that provides information about each object, based on Rautanen's notes and diary. The translation will provide further insight into the history of each object. The two-year project will contribute to the establishment of two permanent museums in Namibia, the Museum of Namibian Music and the Zambezi Museum, and to the development of two mobile exhibitions and catalogues on San and Ndonga history and cultures. Martha Akawa, the vice-chairperson of MAN, said they aim to produce a new catalogue based on photographs of the collection. However, the original information will be edited and supplemented by insights provided by local community members. The catalogue will also contain new photographs of important heritage sites. The location of Olukonda and the content of the collection mean that the exhibition will focus on the historical kingdom of Ondonga. “We believe that it is important that young people are aware of their cultural roots. We believe that, whilst this collection relates to Ondonga, the project can be seen as a model. The process can help repair the psychological damage that has been done to young people who have `lost' their culture. We hope that, in the future, such partnerships might be extended,” she said.

MAN hopes that the project will raise awareness about the importance of some of the historical artefacts that are found in family homes and encourage families to donate them to their local museum for preservation.



Staff Reporter