Documenting the history and practices of animal skin tanning and leather conservation among the Ovahimba and Ovaherero communities in Kaoko, Kunene region, Namibia
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Date
2024
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Publisher
University of Namibia
Abstract
This study delves into the traditional practices of animal skin tanning and leather
conservation among the Ovaherero and Ovahimba communities, Bantu-speaking groups
that settled in Namibia during the early 16th century. Spanning from the 19th to the 21st
century, it aims to document the historical evolution of these practices within these
communities. Skin and leather have held a profound significance in Ovaherero culture,
serving purposes ranging from clothing to shelter and adornment. The study employed an
ethnographic research methodology, and the findings reveals that these materials not only
signify cultural identity but also reflect societal traditions, landscapes, and available
resources. However, colonialism, formal education, Christianity, and climate change have
exerted significant influences, leading to the alteration or abandonment of traditional
practices such as leather-making. Despite these challenges, communities have persisted in
sourcing skins from wildlife and domesticated animals, utilizing animal fat mixed with
herbs and minerals for preservation. The study concludes that the enduring practice of skin
tanning and leather conservation among these communities embodies resilience and
facilitates intergenerational knowledge transfer. Through their daily activities, community
members uphold leather as a tangible link to their heritage, preserving its intrinsic cultural
value while navigating the complexities of modernity
Description
A thesis submitted in full fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of master of arts in history (material culture)
Keywords
Material culture, Traditional cultural practices, Oral traditions, Skin tanning, Leather conservation