The Herero People from East Africa’s Great Lakes Region

The Herero People from East Africa’s Great Lakes Region. Originating in the Great Lakes region of East Africa, the Herero people are pastoralists who speak Bantu. They moved to what is now Namibia in the middle of the 18th century. They were cattle herders who placed a high importance on their animals, and their relationship with them had a significant impact on their language and culture. As they attempted to establish themselves as cattle-raising people in Namibia, their migration ultimately resulted in clashes with other indigenous groups, such as the Khoisan.

The Herero, a cattle-breeding clan, are thought to have migrated from Namibia many centuries ago. They allegedly formerly lived in Roruu areas that were abundant in reed and clean water for their animals, but they started to migrate south as these resources became limited. Regretfully, even scientists have not yet found the wetlands that these people formerly called home.

According to mythology, these people moved southward from the great lakes region of east Africa, traversing the enormous territory of modern-day Zambia and southern Angola before arriving on the banks of the Kunene River in 1550. They had been occupying these areas for more than 200 years when there was a split within the tribe. Maendo led the bigger group away, and they moved farther south, leaving the Himba and Tjimba tribes behind. Maendo’s groups reached River Swakop very nearly halfway through the eighteenth century. This tribe moved eastward during the 19th century and eventually made its home in the country’s northern central region.

In families headed by an Omukuru, the Mbanderu and Herero continued to coexist during the 19th century. The dual descent system is primarily to blame for their lack of a clear political structure. One’s position in the family hierarchy or location of residence is determined by their Orzo, or paternal line. However, the eanda, or maternal line, decides how movable property is distributed. The matri-clans are in charge of controlling the majority of the population’s property, primarily cattle, and upholding the regulations that govern their customary inheritance. In addition to controlling the family, ancestral fires, priesthood, ceremonial food taboos, and the succession of local chiefs, the patri-clans are in charge of sacred objects and the ozohivirikwa, or holy cow.

Many Herero people were slaughtered during General Lothar von Trotha’s authority, which led to a significant fall in their overall population after the German and Herero colonial wars of 1904–1907. After being stolen of their cattle and land, the few survivors split up, with many seeking safety in Botswana and later Bechuanaland. After South Africa gained control of Southwestern Africa in 1915, refugees began to return, and they were given places to call home, including Ovitoto, Aminuis, Otjohorongo, Epukiro, and Waterberg East.

The few remaining Hereros have managed to preserve their familial ties, tribal unity, and sense of national identity despite the eradication of their indigenous culture, the confiscation of their tribal territories, and the restrictions placed on labour regulations. They commemorate Maharero Day every year in the month of August. Approximately 130,000 of these individuals reside in Namibia. They currently have a theatre company that presents plays that are based on their history and are quite fascinating. A primary school in Okaepe village hosts tourists, and its students amuse them with sports, dance, music, and theatre. Additionally, you can go to the Okakarara settlement’s cultural and tourism centre.

Meeting The Herero Tribe | Tropicfeel Presents: The Art Of Exploring