Omba Arts Trust Baskets
October 17, 2013Ask the Adventurers: Mabaruli Safaris
October 18, 2013The distinctive pink-and-black striped material used for the traditional dresses worn by Namibia’s Owambo women can be purchased at the Ondjaba Art Shop in the Namibia Craft Centre in Windhoek.
They are made by Johanna Shilongo in Windhoek’s Katutura suburb and sold at the stall by her niece.
The fabric is bought primarily at Chelsea Fashions in Independence Avenue. There are three different combinations of stripes, representing the three different Oshiwambo tribes – the Kwanyama, Ndonga and Ngandjera. Traditionally the pink colour was obtained by grinding a stone, and the fabric is known as Ondelela.
The contact number for Johanna is 081 249 1884.
Prices: Dresses for adults range between N$300 and N$600, for children between N$130 and N$280.
