Preserving Cultural Identity Through the Written Word: Lessons from the Himbacracy Philosopher

 

Preserving Cultural Identity Through the Written Word: Lessons from the Himbacracy Philosopher

As articulated by the Himbacracy Philosopher, the essence of our cultural stronghold remains untainted; nevertheless, we have faltered in documenting and elucidating our cultural heritage. In embracing the collective identity of educated Omuhimba or Ovahimba, it is undeniable that we have yet to contribute substantially to the chronicling of our own cultural tapestry.

The legacy of Otjihimba stands as a revered and unparalleled facet of Namibia's cultural mosaic. Our culture has remained unblemished by transgressions, yet the rapid evolution of the world has outpaced our efforts to capture it in words. Thus, there arises an imperative for us to have inscribed more comprehensively the tenets and traditions that shape our being.

Our shortfall does not lie in a lack of adaptability, but rather in our inability to commit our cultural essence to written form. This missed opportunity not only hampers the widespread recognition of our culture but also endangers the preservation of our unique cultural identity. The underlying message is clear: with evolution comes an obligation to translate our transformation into narratives that safeguard our heritage.

Declining the task of documenting our own culture is not inherently flawed. Nonetheless, should our perspectives fail to synchronize with the pace of change, the consequential fading of our culture could lead to an erosion of personal identity.

In summation, the privileges enjoyed in the past are susceptible to replacement by the trends of the future. The absence of overt misconduct notwithstanding, the scenario arises wherein others seize the momentum and impeccably seize the moment. In such instances, we stand to lose and falter while they meticulously script the culture they aspire to, subsequently marketing it back to us.

To undertake personal growth and alteration affords a second chance at redefinition. Conversely, being coerced into transformation by external forces mirrors a sense of abandonment. Those who abstain from learning and self-betterment shall eventually find themselves irrelevant to their own cultural context, a lesson that will be learned through hardship and expense.

I embarked on composing this statement subsequent to a conversation I had with two individuals of similar age from the Otjiuondo-Tjonjose yoNgua yaKaoko community: Katamunua and Uaurovandu. During this exchange, these two gentlemen engaged in a fruitful discussion regarding agricultural practices, a subject that prompted me to chronicle their insights. The impetus behind this decision stemmed from Katamunua's assertion that our proficiency in farming was nurtured from an early age, a sentiment I concurred with wholeheartedly. He postulated that it is improbable for a Omuherero child to pursue a formal education at a university to specialize in animal husbandry and livestock management.

His perspective resonated with me, as it dawned upon me that universities might hold value primarily in instructing us about disease prevention within our livestock and transforming our animal-rearing endeavours into profitable ventures. It became clear that farming constitutes an integral facet of our cultural heritage; its abandonment would signify a forfeiture of our cultural identity. Throughout history, the rearing of livestock within the Ovaherero community has been ingrained, stretching back countless centuries. Thus, it becomes apparent that farming is not merely an activity but a cultural artefact, vital for our survival and existence.

Their discourse reverberated with a message emphasizing mutual care and support. They emphasized the importance of age mates forging connections, understanding each other's experiences, and learning about survival strategies. This interconnectedness serves as a vital resource, enabling us to offer aid during challenging times.

In conclusion, the exchange with Katamunua and Uaurovandu served as a poignant reminder of the enduring significance of agriculture within our culture. Their insights underscored the critical nature of preserving this age-old tradition, not only for its economic benefits but for the sustenance of our cultural heritage and the network of support it fosters within our community.

The Himbacarcy Philosopher