- Gondwana Cañon Park/ News


		A Stone to ensure a safe Journey - 31.01.08 At the entrance to the reception at Cañon Village guests have lately wondered about a pile of stones, neatly bordered by slabs of natural stone. But the meaning is soon enough gleaned from an information board: it has to do with a tradition of the Nama people which is as old as the hills. This pile represents the numerous similar piles that can be found in many parts of Namibia - usually next to ancient paths and passes or sometimes in the vicinity of watering places. Among the Nama they were known as Haitsi Aibeb, the grave of Haiseb, a deity, and held in great respect.



		'Haitsi Aibeb' and information boards at the Cañon Village. Photo: Mannfred Goldbeck

		If you came across a Haitsi Aibeb you added a stone, a stick or a twig. You then knelt down and said a prayer or asked for Haiseb’s blessing for your journey. Refusal to show deference towards a Haitsi Aibeb was equal to provoking misfortune.

		The pile at Cañon Village serves a dual purpose: it is intended to keep alive the memory of a tradition of the Nama people in southern Namibia which is no longer practised, and to ‘ensure’ that guests continue on their journey safely – provided they show their due respect and add a stone...