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The Power Behind Ovambo-Kwanyamas' Kingdom

Our common historical legacy, artifacts, norms, legends, and myths shall be preserved / Foibe Nghitolwa. The Kingdom of Oukwanyama is locat...

Our common historical legacy, artifacts, norms, legends, and myths shall be preserved / Foibe Nghitolwa.
The Kingdom of Oukwanyama is located in the northern region of Namibia, extending into Southern Angola. Its current ruler is Her Majesty, Queen Martha Mwadinomho waKristian yaNelumbu. Throughout the course of history, the kings and queens of Kwanyama have established a formidable reputation as indomitable warriors, engaging in conflicts to acquire ivory and participating in cattle raids across significant locales such as Dombondola, Ombadja, and Evale. These strategic endeavors have played a pivotal role in shaping the kingdom's historical significance and socio-political landscape.

It is undeniable that within every tribe and culture, legends and mythologies have played a significant role in shaping the community and inspiring its people. The Kwanyama tribe is no exception, as they too have embraced their rich traditions, rituals, superstitions (iidhila), and taboos, all of which serve to preserve their traditional virtues.

The primary purpose of this article is not to delve into the intricacies of Namibian tribal politics, but rather to celebrate the cultural diversity that reflects the historical past. By doing so, we can gain a deeper understanding of how the Namibian community has evolved over time and appreciate the enduring peace that the Kwanyama people have maintained within their kingdom for countless millennia, predating the arrival of Europeans on the African continent.

Despite the constant threat of warring enemies from various directions, including Portuguese conquistadors from the north, Germans in the south, and neighboring tribal kingdoms such as Kwambi and Ndonga at their doorstep, the Aakwanyama people remained undefeated throughout the ages, until the reign of King Mandume ya Ndemufayo.

King Nande, succeded King Ueyulu ya Hedimbi in 1904, following the death of King Nande on February 5, 1911, Mandume as a nephew, emerged as the rightful successor to the throne. At the tender age of 18, Mandume assumed leadership of the Oukwanyama's kingdom in 1911, and his reign lasted a mere six years until 1917 when he tragically fell in battle, fighting the South African and Portuguese invading forces.

Following the untimely death of King Mandume in 1917, the Oukwanyama kingdom faced a prolonged period without a leader. During this time, an extraordinary event occurred as the magical Power Stone mysteriously vanished from the kingdom. It was not until 1995 that the Power Stone resurfaced, having been discovered in Finland and subsequently returned to its rightful place, Namibia.

Throughout the years, the oral history of the Oukwanyama kingdom has been diligently preserved by contemporary scholars, with notable contributions from Vilho Kaulinge. Vilho, who unfortunately passed away in 1992 at the age of 90, played a crucial role in documenting the kingdom's traditions and history. His firsthand experiences serving under the legendary King Mandume provide invaluable insights, some of which have been immortalized in audio recordings featuring his voice.

The question of what sort of power shielded the Kwanyama dynasty from their archenemies over the centuries during the colonial era remains a captivating enigma. While historical accounts and oral traditions offer glimpses into the kingdom's resilience and strategic prowess, the exact nature of the protective forces that safeguarded the dynasty throughout its existence continues to intrigue scholars and enthusiasts alike. Exploring this aspect of Kwanyama history may unveil fascinating insights into the unique dynamics that shaped their enduring legacy.

Power Stone

The "POWER STONE" (Emanya loMundilo Woshilongo shauKwanyama) held a revered status within the Oukwanyama kingdom, as it was an extraordinary meteorite believed to possess mystical powers known as Aakwamungu. Its presence in the kingdom symbolized not only good governance, and political stability, but prosperity for the entire kingdom. Passed down from generation to generation, the Power Stone served as an arcane regalia, connecting the living with the ancestral spirits of the departed world (Aakwamungu).

The cosmic energy embodied by the Power Stone has captivated numerous observers, including the first European missionaries who arrived in Ovamboland during the 18th century. In February 1886, Martti Rautanen (also known as Nakambale Kanene) referred to the Power Stone as ''Oshilongo-Sten,'' meaning the stone of the kingdom. Rautanen himself was mesmerized by the supernatural force emanating from the Power Stone, a force that defied explanation through the conventional laws of physics, science, or religious doctrines.

It is crucial to acknowledge that the supernatural power mentioned is a part of the paranormal force that governs the entire universe, encompassing the creation of which we are an integral part. This force of nature operates according to an invisible and elusive cosmic law that transcends human understanding and logical reasoning.

It is indeed a fascinating aspect of the Oukwanyama tradition that all kings ascending to the throne were required to step their right foot on the Power Stone. This ritual held great significance and symbolized a connection to the ancestral lineage and the mystical power associated with the stone.

Regarding the claim of the Founding Father Sam Nujoma stepping on the stone upon his return from overseas, it is important to note that specific historical details or events surrounding the Power Stone and its interactions with individuals may vary based on different accounts or perspectives. The potential involvement of churches, such as the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Mission (FELM), in the handling or influence of the Power Stone is a matter that would require further research and exploration of historical records or firsthand testimonies.

As with many cultural artifacts and traditions, there can be differing interpretations and narratives surrounding their significance, especially when viewed through the lens of historical events and possible external influences. It is essential to approach such topics with a critical and objective perspective, taking into account available historical evidence and multiple viewpoints to gain a comprehensive understanding of their significance and impact.

power stone
Kwanyama's traditional beads (Oshilanda). 
The mystic wonder of the Power Stone could be well understood by cosmologists, shamans, sangomas, and astrologists, the only experts who know things related to horoscopes and astra-divinity, voodooism, cabalism and etc.  People believed that among
 the materials (debris) that fell from space, some were fully charged with natural magnetism.  Experts in occult science noted that these strange celestial objects are ever pervading our planet. Due to the plethora of information driven from an oral record, I must assert that the ingenuity and divinity power that was possessed by the original Power Stone is beyond infinity. 

The Europeans, and the Finnish people (Suomi) knew very well the black magic of the stone, which they referred to as a demonic power, and decided to remove the evil object from native people. This was sort of like disarming the community from the natural ''silver cord'' and converting them to the monotheism of a white man.  
Exorcism is the religious practice of evicting demons or other spiritual entities from a person, object or place believed to be possessed
There are several accounts in Ovambo communities where persecution was carried out against the local people who believed as witches (aalondi). There are many claims that the Power Stone of Oukwanyama was part of ''pagan witchcraft'' possessed by the demons, therefore the church always goes after the traditional ornaments, and people with a strange clairvoyant power in its guests to decentigrade ancient norms of the indigenous people. In those years, the majority of Ovambos were regarded as either paganists or atheists by the European churches and were subjected to forceful spiritual purification through exorcism to cast evil spirits.

The targeting of traditional ornaments and individuals believed to possess clairvoyant powers can be seen as part of a wider effort to undermine ancient norms and customs of indigenous people and impose the religious and cultural values of the colonizers. Such actions were often justified as a means of purifying or saving the local population from what was perceived as evil or demonic influences. 

The Origin of the Stone

According to Oukwanyama's oral history and ancient folklore, the Power Stone of Oukwanyama is believed to have originated before the 16th century, making it over 420 years old. The story goes that the stone was discovered by a royal woman who was a sibling of King Shitenhu, the first king to rule Oukwanyama around the 1600s.

Oral histories and folklores are valuable sources of cultural and historical information, passing down knowledge from one generation to another. They provide insights into the traditions, beliefs, and events of a community, allowing us to understand their worldview and cultural heritage. In the case of the Power Stone, the story of its discovery by a royal woman adds to the mystique and significance surrounding it.

Fishing the old-fashioned way using traps weaved with makalani palm fronds (iishongo).
The Power Stone was discovered by a woman, contrary to widespread assumptions dramatized in the film,''When We Were Kings'' which depicts a man, who spotted the stone in water.  

According to the interview conducted by Finish tourists with Mekulu Mukwanime Joshua 'MAFANGE' Kanapo who was born in 1920 and passed away in 2009. Me Mukwanime grew up in Oukwanyama royal family and her father Joshua Kanapo was one of the senior elder councils and headmen of Embwinda, a village in southern Angola, which was part of the Oukwanyama kingdom at the time.  

Meekulu Martha Mwadinomho yaKristian Nelumbu appears in the fur of a lioness at public events / Gondwana.
According to her narrative, the stone was first spotted by a royal woman as she went to fetch water. The young woman stumbled upon a strange object silhouetted in the middle of the water pond. Intrigued, she extended her hands to grab the object, which she found to be relatively light.

Upon lifting the stone from the water and carrying it, she felt a vibration spread from her hands throughout her entire body. Astonished by this experience, she dropped the object and hurriedly made her way to the palace to report what she had seen. The people then gathered and retrieved the object, which continued to emit vibrations whenever touched. 

It was eventually identified as a Power Stone possessing a peculiar energy. This account adds further depth to the story of the Power Stone's discovery, highlighting the awe-inspiring and recognition of the stone's unique properties. 

Repatriation

power stone
Ritual Doll from the Ovambo people that made from Wood, glass beads and shells. 
After Madame's death, the African continent was liberated from Western colonial power. The Africa Accessioned Project was created with the sole purpose of conducting research, trace lost African relics and repatriating them back to Africa. 

The advocators in the project echoed a very strong sentiment for African countries especially the indigenous communities like Kwanyamas who lost their cultural artifacts that hold some sacred significance to their social ethnography. The collective decision was taken for all artifacts to be returned back from overseas collections such as the American Museum of Natural History, Weltkulturen Museum Munich, Saint Louis Art Museum, and others.  

Thousands of African traditional regal include the ones confiscated from Namibia are still in Finland, Germany, Sweden, Britain, France, Portugal, and the United States. When Namibia got its independence from the South African Apartheid regime, the Finnish government and its museum sector have shown goodwill toward the Namibian people and made a decision to repatriate voluntary Namibian objects of national importance. Without the initiative of the Africa Accessioned Project, there could be no discovery of Hereros-Nama remains that were kept hidden in the American Museum of Natural History, in the US for many decades. 

Related Topics

In 2014 Ms. Raili Huopainen, the director of the Kumbukumbu Museum of the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Mission (FELM) and Ethnographic Museum of the University of Zurich in Switzerland got an opportunity to visit Nakambale Museum at Oniipa in Namibia, where she announced that her museum would be closing shortly, and before it closed, she would make ensure all artifact in her collection which was taken from Namibia, should be documented into digital folders and transfer to the original owners.  The Embassy of Finland’s Exhibition Development project provided funding to enable a team from MAN to visit Finland from 6th-16th June 2015. 


Exhibits from the archive department in the Kumbukumbu Museum of Finnish Mission / Photo File.
The team consisted of Dr Jeremy Silvester the training officer for (Museums Association of Namibia (MAN) ) and Ms Charmaine Tjizezenga (Project Officer: Exhibition Development) and Mrs Magdalena Kaanante (Curator: Nakambale Museum). 

When they visited Helsinki they found out that there was information related to the sacred regal of Ondonga ''Artifact 5620'' (Oshipapa) and other artefacts which still not yet returned. The Oukwanyama's symbol of power was returned to the Kwanyama Traditional Authority in 1990 and in 2014 another part of the regal symbols (omiya dhoshilongo) shaOmbalantu was also returned to the Mbalantu Traditional Authority.     

Overviews

Power in other Kingdoms: According to Daniel Hans Namuhuja, the King Nembungu lya Mutundu who ruled Ondonga from  1750-1810. Namuhuja stated that Omukwaniilwa Nembungu he was such a superstitious king who enforced iidhila (taboos) and omisindila (rites) throughout Ondonga. According to another testimony of Shilongo Uukule made on 17th August 2001 in which it was stated that a meteorite with mysterious power landed near Nembungu's palace in Ondonga and it was quickly adopted as (omulilo gwemanya lyoshilongo).

Evale rain-Makers: Evale was part of Oukwanyama kingdom and was incorporated into Angola officially in 1929 after the death of Ohamba Mandume yaNdemufayo.  Tatekulu Helao Shityuwete, whose father, Nelindi Shityuwete was a member of the royal family at Evale described having seen the wonder of the Power Stone in the early 1930s. His testimony was given at a presentation at the Namibia Scientific Society on 24th November 2014. 

Many ritual performances of Oukwanyama were carryout at Evale which was the most important rain-making scene in whole Ovambo and beyond. It
 was/is widely believed that the ancestors of dead kings (ovakwamhungu) were the holders of the rain (Williams, 1991: 109, 168).  Some kingdoms within Ovambo (perhaps all) held sacred stones and actually, they knew how to invoke the rainfall.   Edwin Loeb, for example, states that rain-making is described in Oshindonga as okusagela kuomvula imenge. The historian Jason Amakutuwa stated that the Uukwambi Kingdom also had two big round stones – “They called these stones `rain eggs’ or `rain thunderbolts, the eggs of Nuutoni’” as according to the late Jason Amakutuwa.

Cosmology and similar belief: Empirically speaking these strange stones fell from space have given rise to popular holy sites and many sacred centres around the world were erected where the astral objects have landed. The phenomena of falling objects didn't only occur in Oukwanyama, Mbalantu and Ondonga. All over the world cosmic objects such as meteorites with peculiar power became an integral component of various religions and cults like for instance the Celtic druidism cultures that sanctified the Bluestones which known as "Aubrey holes" at Stonehenge in England. 

Another example is Mo'ai stones at Rapa Nui, a far island in Pacific ocean that popularly known as Easter Island. All these pieces of cosmic stones share the same parallel in the paranormal and ancestral occult system. Occult scientists and cosmologists are running research trying to get at the bottom of these cosmic objects and explain the claims about the link between the physical world and other astral dimensions.