Documenting the history and practices of animal skin tanning and leather conservation among the Ovahimba and Ovaherero communities in Kaoko, Kunene region, Namibia
| dc.contributor.author | Nghishiko, Johanna N. | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2024-05-31T13:54:41Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2024-05-31T13:54:41Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2024 | |
| dc.description | A thesis submitted in full fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of master of arts in history (material culture) | |
| dc.description.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 | |
| dc.identifier.uri | http://hdl.handle.net/11070/3868 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | University of Namibia | |
| dc.subject | Material culture | |
| dc.subject | Traditional cultural practices | |
| dc.subject | Oral traditions | |
| dc.subject | Skin tanning | |
| dc.subject | Leather conservation | |
| dc.title | Documenting the history and practices of animal skin tanning and leather conservation among the Ovahimba and Ovaherero communities in Kaoko, Kunene region, Namibia | |
| dc.type | Thesis |