MBUNZA LIVING MUSEUM
LIVING MUSEUMS Five living museums have been established to date (with plans of more for the future), where cultural groups don their traditional gear and introduce visitors to their traditions. The activities can include bush walks, craft-making, stamping grain, preparing food, song and dance performances, weaving mats and even hunting. The museums include the Living Museum of the Mbunza near Rundu, the Ju/’Hoansi-San (Bushmen) in Grashoek near Grootfontein, the Mafwe near Kongola in the Caprivi, the Hunter’s Museum on the outskirts of Tsumkwe, and the Damara Museum en route to Twyfelfontein. Each living museum is run by the group themselves, not only reinforcing traditional values and keeping their culture alive, but also bringing in revenue in areas where there is scant chance of employment.
DIRECTIONS If travelling northwards to Rundu, take the B10 turnoff (towards Nkurenkuru) before reaching the town. After approximately 10 km, look out for the signboards to the museum (on the same road as Hakusembe River Lodge and Samsitu Riverside Camp).
Contact details Booking is not essential but recommended. Phone ahead to contact manager Sebron Ruben at +264 81 215 2496, book via email at contact@lcfn.info, or just take a stroll down the sandy road. Living Culture Foundation Namibia (LCFN) +264 61 22 0563 www.lcfn.info/en
TRAVEL NEWS NAMIBIA WINTER 2014
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