Cultural heritage creates an income
“We are women living on a resettlement farm far from town and where life is difficult. There are no jobs to provide us with an income. It is only Omba that holds us together.”In a small town with limited opportunities, one woman’s perseverance and creativity has paved the way for a better life.
Mara Britz, a 41-year-old woman from Drimiopsis, 45 km from Gobabis, says it is thanks to Omba Arts’ support that she is able to make a sustainable living through her craftsmanship.
Born and raised at the village, Mara still chooses to live here despite the lack of jobs, clinics and other basic infrastructure. She has turned to traditional art to support her family and sells her detailed creations to the Omba Arts Trust, a non-profit organisation that has been uplifting Namibian artisans (and more specifically, women) for over 30 years.
“I joined Omba in 2008 as a young girl,” says Mara. “The artwork I create keeps our traditions alive and allows me to teach the younger generations the same way our ancestors did.”
Her unique art involves burning intricate designs on cloth using an ostrich egg, a method she uses to preserve cultural heritage. Depending on the desired colours, which range from black, light or dark brown, the burning process is carefully controlled. Each artwork takes her three to four hours to complete.
By selling just three pieces a month, Mara earns a large enough income to meet her family’s basic needs. “Not all of us receive social grants from the government and as a result, we have to use our skills to generate an income,” she says.
Her dedication has already paid off.
“I could never afford a house or get a job, but Omba made it possible for me to buy a house with the crafts I make,” says a grateful Mara.
Thanks to the Omba Arts Trust, artists like Mara are empowered to not only ensure that traditional Namibian crafts continue to live on, but also to provide a sustainable income to rural communities.
For Mara, Omba is more than just an organization, it’s a lifeline that has transformed her artistic passion into a stable future for her and her family. - [email protected]