Christianisation and cultural change in northern Namibia

Abstract

Abstract by author:

This thesis will focus on a number of important traditional ceremonies and practices that were common in the kingdoms of Oukwanyama, Ondonga and Ombalantu and the ways in which they were challenged and transformed following the introduction of Christianity in the region. The period covered by the study stretches from the arrival of the first 1 Finnish missionaries in northern Namibia in 1870 up to 1971. After an introductory chapter, the second chapter will deal with the concept of 'Kalunga' and the portrayal of Aawambo as 'religious beings' before they came into contact with European missionaries. The third chapter will contain a description of the core traditional ceremonies and practices and highlight significant differences between the ways in which these were conducted in the three different kingdoms. The fourth chapter will describe the conflict and debate that took place in the 1920s and 1930s between the colonial administration, traditional leaders and missionaries regarding the merits of preserving traditions as a support for colonial systems of 'informal rule' and the relationship between tradition and Christianity. The chapter will consider the ways in which colonial and missionary interventions impacted on traditional practices. It will be argued that there were significant differences in the speed and depth of Christianisation in the three different kingdoms. The differences can be ascribed to the alternative approaches taken to missionaries by the traditional leadership in each kingdom and the variety of colonial powers, political systems and religious denominations involved