Himba
Language: Himba
People Group: Himba
People Group Size: 50,000
Location: Namibia
Lifestyle: Semi-nomadic and pastoral (cattle, goats and sheep)
Translation Time-frame: October 2024 - September 2027
Completed in Phases 1&2: 83 oral narratives, oral translations of Genesis, Romans, Mark, Luke, Acts, Hebrews, 1 & 2 Timothy, and produciton of various materials including the LUMO film, songs, and the Greatest Gift booklet
Translation Phase: 4
Translation Goals: Oral translations of Exodus, Matthew, John, Galatians and Ephesians
Source Languages: Herero and English
Managing Partners: Wycliffe SA / Opuwo Pastors' Forum / Bible Society of Namibia
Deep in the north of Namibia live the nomadic cattle herders called the Himba. The Himba number over 50,000 and besides Namibia, there is also a community of Himba in the Kunene province of Angola. The Himba are a nomadic, pastoral people, closely related to the Herero people. The Himba women are renowned for their intricate hairstyles, traditional jewellery and the beautiful red colouring they get from rubbing their bodies with red ochre and fat for sun protection.
For a long time, it was thought that the Himba could share a Bible translation with the neighbouring Herero people, as their languages are closely related. However, the Himba were unable to connect with God through the written text. It was decided that an oral Bible would be recorded for them, and since 2015 they have worked diligently to translate and record more and more portions of scripture to be able to reach the hearts of the Himba.
Media
Luke 1:39-56 - Song of Mary
(song starts at 1:40)
Genesis 1-2 - Omaimburiro Wombutiro
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