Sacred Cows of Ovawambo

There is an exceptionally beautiful tradition of rearing cattle among other domestic animals in Oshiwambo culture.
Like in many African traditions, cows for Ovawambo are sacred, protected and praised. Cows are, or at least used to be significant connections between the living and our ancestors. It is believed that the souls of important ancestors inhabit the bodies of special cows that they have left behind. Such cows are usually believed to acquire the character of their owner and when the owner is deceased, people see the cows the soul of the deceased.
Traditionally, one could not just kill a cow when they feel like it. Only at ceremonial/ritual events, a cow is sacrificed: at a funeral, wedding or on other very few other important occasions such a fetching the rain from Evale.
In the case a cow was sacrificed, a very emotional event for the owner or caretaker (herder), one is expected to bid it farewell with a praise (to i tange in Oshiwambo), otherwise, it is believed that there is a possibility of it not dying even after thrusting it with a spear as many times as one can.
Cows are not only praised when they are killed, in fact in Oukwanyama, we have a special event called edano leengobe (loosely translated as a play of the cows), where renowned cattle herders gather along with their members of communities to show off their best cows while glorifying their names through songs, chants and ululations. The song on the background of this video is one example of a group of men doing so.
Keeping cows in my culture used to be (still is to a few) for sentimental values and not for monetary wealth or as a source of meat.
Music: Ngadima by Olupale

[@TschukuTschuku]

Found some eengovela deengobe sung by migrant labourors in Orangemund, in 1960s at the international library of African music. Coming across your video reminded me of our thinking of masculinity. Thanks for sharing Mwameme!

[@Ndapewa1988]

You are welcome Mumwamee. Looking forward to hearing more about the migrant labourers' Eengovela when I am back

[@liberatorhifenua5490]

Thanx alot comrade for this unique video

[@SizzlesDiaries]

Ndafaukapo nale ndili kohambo tuu, onghalo oyanyika oipa yombwa paife, okuxwepo nena

[@RabanMutilifa]

It's pleased me very much to saw this video

[@nghitongonaftal589]

Ofidiyambuletu

[@ceciliakasungu2650]

I love this video

[@freddyhaindongo944]

Ai, shiyanya ngadimha oyo naana!..ou shii lela, i tumbula wame

[@naemihanghuwo7605]

Omadu eshi ali omayamba, ovalumenhu vakanangala vakwee 💪

[@yudahisthelionswhelp1037]

AAYE MANI, TOLITEEKIFANGE OUSHIMBA NDIYE KELALO KASHIIDULE VAVI ESHI!!!!

[@MatiasAaron-ij5xp]

Komulonga wakuwangu ondishiiko oko taku popiwa mongovela omu I was once omunahambo

[@mattriddimlove]

Iinima yiwa man!✌✌✌

[@crucialkapembe931]

All the best oshimolo man

[@ukongoelifas2656]

Andirias alufeus

[@E_Mann86]

Where can I get that song can you send it to me

[@saimasaicky4877]

I really like

[@naemihanghuwo7605]

Oipa yondyala oyo

[@Nelson_Tokkie]

Tondjuulukifa nge okulitanga nee upload more

[@lordchancellor3103]

eeheno o! Todjulukifange oinima yiwa nee!

[@ndeshipandazulu4963]

P

[@fabiannghitewapo2424]

I like it

[@AnnatoliaNamhidi]

This reminds me of tate hidipo hamutenya eshi kwali haningi omaludi

[@shuudifonyaelia7327]

so 2minandje unima honoka mwameme konumber huka

[@manyanatitus1507]

Eeno nawa nawa....

[@nangulashimweefeleni592]

nashanga daalangata nombuda namibinga dawa ongali nomwoongo.

[@saimasaicky4877]

Haidilaadila walaula yokalinga...

[@cee-watermarthen8141]

I do miss to look after cattle

[@binaliaksunger7630]

💓🌹💯💖❣️❤️🙏🌟🌟👍

[@SimeonNdjambi]

❤

[@dumeniyadumani4163]

Rich man Duma Ja Duma

[@malakiapangwashimwe7025]

I like it