The Living Museum of the Damara, situated along the D2612 about ten kilometers north of Twyfelfontein, is a unique cultural experience in Namibia. Established in February 2010, it stands as the country’s first traditional Damara project, offering visitors a glimpse into the traditional culture of the Damara people.
The Damara people, among Namibia’s oldest ethnic groups, have inhabited the region for centuries, coexisting with the land as hunter-gatherers and herders of cattle, sheep, and goats. Trading goods was also a significant aspect of their traditional livelihood. Today, the Living Museum of the Damara provides an unparalleled opportunity to engage with and learn about this rich cultural heritage.
Located in the heart of Namibia’s western central region, the Damara community has established a “Living Museum” near the renowned rock engraving site of Twyfelfontein. This unique attraction offers visitors a firsthand experience of pre-colonial Damara life, featuring a traditional village setting complete with cottages, live cattle, cultural performances including singing and dancing, traditional crafts, and a functioning blacksmith’s shop.
Visitors to the Living Museum can immerse themselves in Damara culture through guided bush walks, where they can learn about traditional practices such as trapping, snaring, and foraging for wild foods. This immersive experience provides valuable insights into the traditional way of life of the Damara people.
Allgemeine Informationen
To reach the Damara Living Museum, simply follow the signs to Twyfelfontein along the D2612 road. Once you reach the point where you turn off for Twyfelfontein, continue for a few hundred meters until you see the signboard indicating the Living Museum. The museum is easily accessible by any vehicle.
The Living Museum operates daily from shortly after sunrise until beyond dusk, allowing visitors to experience Damara culture throughout daylight hours. No advance reservations are required as Damara guides are present during operational hours. For overnight stays, there are several lodges and campgrounds in the area that offer accommodations for visitors.
Museum, das Damara darstellt
The Damara and the Bushmen are recognized as two of the oldest ethnic groups in Namibia. During Namibia’s colonial period, the Damara people struggled to defend themselves against invaders due to the relatively weak structure of their social institutions. Consequently, much of their cultural heritage was lost over time. The Damara Living Museum strives to revive aspects of the Damara people’s “lost culture” by providing insights into their traditional way of life and practices.
Aktivitäten, die vom Museum angeboten werden
Dorfleben
At our traditional museum, visitors can observe and participate in various daily activities that showcase our cultural heritage. These activities include witnessing the traditional blacksmith craft weapons and tools, learning about the tanning process for leather to make traditional clothing, and observing the crafting of jewelry and traditional games. Additionally, visitors can experience the Holy Fire ritual and learn how to make fire using traditional methods. The museum tour typically lasts around one and a half hours, but visitors are welcome to stay longer to explore and engage further with our cultural practices
Buschwanderung
Embarking on a bushwalk is an immersive experience that offers a blend of tranquility and excitement. As you journey through the ancient bush, you’re transported to a simpler time, allowing you to envision life as it once was. The walk gently nudges aside the pressures of modern life, inviting you to focus on what truly matters. However, caution is advised to watch your step, as snakes, scorpions, and other creatures may pose a threat if disturbed.
During the contemplative bushwalk, the San people engage in lively conversations while exploring the traces left behind by wild creatures. Their curiosity leads them to dig, pick, and pluck, unraveling the mysteries of the natural world along the way.
Damara lebendige Kultur
Located near Twyfelfontein, the Living Museum of the Damara stands as the first traditional Damara project in Namibia and the only one of its kind in the world. Here, visitors have a unique opportunity to experience the rich and traditional culture of the Damara people in an immersive and authentic setting
Verlorene Kultur von Damara
The Damara people’s Living Museum endeavors to revive the “lost culture” of the Damara community. Visitors to the museum are provided with a remarkable opportunity to learn about the captivating traditional culture of the Damara people. By doing so, they not only contribute to the preservation of the culture but also support the sustainable income of the Damara community, which initiated the museum’s construction.
Abschluss
The Damara Living Museum stands as a unique opportunity to experience the traditional culture of the Damara people, not only in Namibia but also globally. The Damara and the Bushmen are among Namibia’s oldest ethnic groups, their heritage blending hunter-gathering and herding practices. Despite the challenges of colonialism, the Damara’s social structure weakened, leading to the loss of significant cultural aspects over time.
The Living Museum of the Damara was established to revive these lost cultural elements. Visitors to the museum gain insights into the rich traditions of the Damara people, contributing to the preservation of their heritage and providing essential support to the Damara community that built the museum. It’s a compelling destination for those seeking to explore Namibia’s diverse cultural landscape.
German 
English