Nama exhibition opens at Keetmanshoop
Education, Arts and Culture Minister Katrina Hanse-Himarwa officially opened a new exhibition at Keetmanshoop Museum week, titled Nama Khoen ?Nîsasib.
The exhibition gives an introduction to Nama history and culture.
It was produced by the Museums Association of Namibia (MAN), with funding from the Embassy of Finland.
The occasion was also used by MAN to celebrate International Museum Day in Namibia.
Hanse-Himarwa urged young people to visit the museum to learn about their history and culture.
She said there is more to the Nama identity than traditional dress. Hanse-Himarwa said it was important for Namibians to show equal respect to each other’s cultures, and more importantly, to embrace their identity as Namibians.
//Karas Regional Governor Lucia Basson used the opportunity to speak about the importance of preserving language, as the heart of culture.
She warned that the number of Khoekhoegowab speakers in the region was falling, as families were communicating in Afrikaans or English in their homes.
MAN chairperson Aaron Nambadi said the organisation believes strongly in the importance of advisory committees for regional museums.
MAN has worked with Keetmanshoop Museum Advisory Committee, as it is important that the community has ownership of their local museum, Nambadi said.
The wealth of knowledge and expertise on the committee will ensure that the museum continues to develop, he added.
He read a message from Finnish Ambassador Anne Saloranta, who also praised the creativity and enthusiasm of the committee members she has met.
Nambadi stressed that museums in Namibia should be viewed as important educational resources.
The exhibition covers topics, such as the use of plants for traditional medicine, traditional dress and the experience of Nama communities during the 1903-1908 war of anti-colonial resistance against German rule.
The Keetmanshoop Municipality established a Museum Advisory Committee that worked with MAN to develop the exhibition, and which will continue the development of new displays at the museum. The launch of the exhibition was combined with the unveiling of a statue of Tseib, the founder of the Khara-!Oan, who is remembered as the founder of the town.
The statue was created by well-known Namibian artist Papa Shikongeni.
STAFF REPORTER
The exhibition gives an introduction to Nama history and culture.
It was produced by the Museums Association of Namibia (MAN), with funding from the Embassy of Finland.
The occasion was also used by MAN to celebrate International Museum Day in Namibia.
Hanse-Himarwa urged young people to visit the museum to learn about their history and culture.
She said there is more to the Nama identity than traditional dress. Hanse-Himarwa said it was important for Namibians to show equal respect to each other’s cultures, and more importantly, to embrace their identity as Namibians.
//Karas Regional Governor Lucia Basson used the opportunity to speak about the importance of preserving language, as the heart of culture.
She warned that the number of Khoekhoegowab speakers in the region was falling, as families were communicating in Afrikaans or English in their homes.
MAN chairperson Aaron Nambadi said the organisation believes strongly in the importance of advisory committees for regional museums.
MAN has worked with Keetmanshoop Museum Advisory Committee, as it is important that the community has ownership of their local museum, Nambadi said.
The wealth of knowledge and expertise on the committee will ensure that the museum continues to develop, he added.
He read a message from Finnish Ambassador Anne Saloranta, who also praised the creativity and enthusiasm of the committee members she has met.
Nambadi stressed that museums in Namibia should be viewed as important educational resources.
The exhibition covers topics, such as the use of plants for traditional medicine, traditional dress and the experience of Nama communities during the 1903-1908 war of anti-colonial resistance against German rule.
The Keetmanshoop Municipality established a Museum Advisory Committee that worked with MAN to develop the exhibition, and which will continue the development of new displays at the museum. The launch of the exhibition was combined with the unveiling of a statue of Tseib, the founder of the Khara-!Oan, who is remembered as the founder of the town.
The statue was created by well-known Namibian artist Papa Shikongeni.
STAFF REPORTER
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article