Omahokololo gAawambo
by J. J. Viljoen, P. Amakali and P. Hasheela
ISBN 9789991642734
University of Namibia Press, June 2022
LANGUAGE: Oshindonga and Oshikwanyama
Hardcover, 72 pages, Oshiwambo history & tradition; Cultural anthropology, literature
AUDIENCE: Children, Crossover, READING LEVEL: Upper Primary and Lower Secondary
Omahokolo gAawambo is a collection of folktales which preserve the indigenous knowledge of the Aawambo and give a glimpse into the colourful culture of the people. These 14 stories depict characters such as the cunning jackal; the wise tortoise; Nambaishita, the invincible boy with many friends; trusting Nekongo whose unquestioning heart lands him in a tight spot with his double-crossing neighbour; Nehova, the endeared last born, who no matter the circumstances, always escapes from harm, even from being taken by a crocodile and swallowed by the ground. In Oshiwambo, the last child is born with luck, is spotless in deed and can do no wrong.
The stories in this book explain the world around us and bring to life the warnings and idiomatic phrases admonished by elders in the Aawambo culture such as that ‘regret will always follow misdeed’ as can be seen in the case of Negonga in tale seven and the deceitful wife in tale thirteen. Parents who read this book to their little ones will bring the amazing characters to life. The lessons from these stories teach children morals and instil values that show young ones how to become productive members of their communities.
