How much have you heard about weird cultures in Africa?

 

Giving wife to guest in Namibia

The Hima Tribe of Namibia

If you ever find yourself in Namibia, it would be interesting to take time off your busy diary to visit the people of Ovahimba and Ovazimba tribes in the Kunene and Omusati regions in the North of the country.

According to the Guardian, members of this tribe have an interesting way of showing their ‘hospitality’ to their guests.

Apparently, when a visitor comes around, the man of the house will show his approval and pleasure of seeing his guest by giving him the Okujepisa Omukazendu treatment.

This practice literally means that the man willingly gives his wife to his guest to spend the night with, while he – the husband – sleeps in another room.

What’s more, in a case where there is no available room, the husband will sleep outside.

WELCOMING VISITORS

The woman has little or no opinion in the decision making. Submission to her husband comes first.

She has an option of refusing to sleep with the visitor but has to sleep in the same room.

The woman is also entitled to give her visiting friends to her husband, although this rarely happens.

The ‘benefits’ of this tradition include reducing jealousy and fostering relationships.