Through a new lens : Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Mission´s influence on the tangible cultural heritage of Aawambo people of Northern Namibia
Heinonen, Olivia (2025)
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025061022176
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025061022176
Tiivistelmä
This thesis is research that examines the Finnish Lutheran Evangelic Missions work, that influenced the tangible cultural heritage of Aawambo people of northern Namibia.
The focus is particularly on clothing, hairdressing and material used to make traditional attires. This study was conducted through combining desk research, photography analyses and a survey primarily targeted at Namibians, both the general public and those working in the culture and heritage field. Through these methods, I explored how missionary activities altered Aawambo customs of dressing and cultural expression, as well as aspects of the preservation of this local culture.
The research emphasizes the cultural and historical value of traditional practices and argue for the importance of repatriation and restitution of cultural artifacts kept in Finland to this day. These actions are presented as essential for addressing historical injustices, restoring cultural identities, and safeguarding Aawambo heritage for future generations.
The focus is particularly on clothing, hairdressing and material used to make traditional attires. This study was conducted through combining desk research, photography analyses and a survey primarily targeted at Namibians, both the general public and those working in the culture and heritage field. Through these methods, I explored how missionary activities altered Aawambo customs of dressing and cultural expression, as well as aspects of the preservation of this local culture.
The research emphasizes the cultural and historical value of traditional practices and argue for the importance of repatriation and restitution of cultural artifacts kept in Finland to this day. These actions are presented as essential for addressing historical injustices, restoring cultural identities, and safeguarding Aawambo heritage for future generations.