WHAT IS AN EKIPA?

An Ekipa is a traditional jewel from the iconic Owambo people of Namibia. An ornamental button shaped like a beehive made from ivory or bone, which was traditionally worn by women on leather belts down their backs.

 

According to experts, when an Owambo king hunted an elephant at the opening of a hunting season, the royal family had the right to the ivory. A woman wore the ekipa as a sign of esteem and royalty.

 

The number of ekipas displayed conveyed her status in the community and gave an indication of the wealth of her family. The artefacts were worn on special occasions such as fertility feasts, weddings and funerals. There is also evidence the ekipa was used as money.