Damara Living Museum
The Damara Living Museum was established in February 2010 and is located just a few kilometers north of Twyfelfontein in Namibia’s Kunene Region. It was founded as a joint initiative between the Damara community and the Living Culture Foundation Namibia to revive and preserve the nearly lost traditions of the Damara people. It is the first traditional Damara-run cultural village in the country and serves both as an educational platform and a sustainable source of income for the local community.
About the Damara People
The Damara are among Namibia’s oldest ethnic groups, traditionally known for their skills in copper smelting, herbal medicine, storytelling, and music. They originally practiced a mix of hunting and gathering and later adopted some aspects of pastoralism. Much of their rich oral history and cultural knowledge was at risk of fading, which prompted the need for an interactive cultural preservation space like the Living Museum.
Programs and Activities
At the Damara Living Museum, visitors are immersed in the traditional lifestyle through a variety of interactive demonstrations and educational programs, including:
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Blacksmithing and copper tool crafting
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Leather tanning and traditional clothing production
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Fire-making using ancient methods
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Traditional games, music, and dancing
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Bushwalks to identify edible and medicinal plants, animal tracks, and trapping techniques
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Storytelling and explanation of Damara rituals and social customs
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All presentations are conducted by local Damara people dressed in traditional attire, offering a unique and authentic insight into their cultural heritage.
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