Culture

Ancestral and Cultural Heritage

Okahao is a historical place that is unique in its own right. As a locality, Okahao was a village for the families of Ongandjera Kings. The place was therefore considered occupied with ancestral sanctification. A common water pond that is in existence to this date (called Ombupupu) was historically believed to have supernatural elements (called “iinomona”). Nobody would obtain water from this pond without first “talking” to and getting permission from the ancestors. People from the King’s palace (called “Ombala”) who normally fetch water from Ombupupu would first reveal that the King sent them water for his dogs, as a way of seeking ancestral blessings to draw water from the pond. Okahao is also home to Christianity in Ongandjera, as it is here where the ELCIN Finnish Missionary set up a centre during the early years of spreading the Christian gospel.