African tribes who are happy to offer their beautiful wives to guests (7 photos)

Several long-standing African cultures and traditions are causing resentment and leading to the abandonment of practices that are no longer relevant. But there are rare peoples who like interesting customs, especially if they are pleasant. One such cultural practice is "Okujepisa Omukazenda" among the Ovahimba and Owazemba tribes of northern Namibia.







Two nomadic tribes in the Kunene and Pomuzati regions of Namibia are largely isolated from the rest of the country. They have abandoned the benefits of modern life, keep livestock, live off the land and practice ancestor worship.

Many still live in houses made of sticks and mud, and men and women do not wear clothing on their chests. The phrase "Okujepisa Omukazendu" literally means "offering one's wife to a guest." It is a practice in which a man decides to please a friend or highly respected guest by allowing him to become intimately acquainted with his dear wife.



That night the husband must sleep in another hut, and if there is no other hut or room, he will sleep outside - that is the order. Many may think that this practice is absurd or completely unfair, but it is important to always remember that for them it is “normal”.

Boys and girls grow up in these norms, and preserving their culture seems something beautiful and natural to them. Women who are ready to spend time with guests will be amazed and unhappy with those who refuse to perform a cultural ritual, because it is a real privilege. Understand, you can’t upset women!



This custom has existed in Namibian communities for several generations. The trouble began when Mr Kazeongere Tiendo proposed changes to the Namibian Constitution to make the practice legal, citing several arguments. Here's what he said:

"This is a culture that brings us unity and friendship. If you love a person and want to please him, then it is up to you whether to allow him to vacation with your wife. We just need to figure out how to regulate this practice."



The head of one of the villages, Uomiti Ruhozu, also said that there was no reason to stop the ancient custom. He said that STDs can still occur between spouses who cheat on each other in secret. According to Rohuso, most men and women in Namibia already have more than one partner, dating in secret. But why hide anything? Ovahimba and Ovazimba are open to each other, which relieves them of stress and fear of being caught cheating.

Some say it helps strengthen friendships and reduce promiscuity, while others claim it brings variety and makes marriages lasting.



The decision as to whether or not to invite someone to meet his wife rests with the man. A wife usually cannot resist her husband’s word, and therefore humbly and wholeheartedly submits and goes to strengthen the friendship.

The head of the Otjikaoko Traditional Authority, Uziruapi Tjawara, also strongly defends the traditional practice, despite the high risk of spreading STDs. Here's what he said about this:

“This is a unique traditional custom that eliminates jealousy between both sexes and strengthens friendship. Therefore, I support its legality, but awareness must be raised in people to prevent the spread of diseases.”



Women in these communities often fully support the tradition. One of them said the following:

"I did it this year and I don't have any problems or remorse. It's good because it's part of our culture. Why would we change it?"



These are such wild customs, which, however, play into the hands of the guests of Ovahimba and Ovazemba!