These geometrically decorated buttons are worn by Ovambo people as jewellery and are a sign of prosperity. A groom gives Omakipa (sing. Ekipa, pl. Omakipa) to his bride and in time, as the new husband, he will add to this collection as his wealth increases.

The main users of Omakipa are 7 Ovambo tribes situated along the Angolan border, namely the Kwanyama Ngandjera , Kwalundhi, Ndonga, Kwambi, Kolonkadhi and Mbalantu.

It is believed a few family groups in Southern Angola produced the Omakipa at the end of the 19th century and traded them for food, tools, and clothing with the neighbouring regions.

Sizes: 5 - 8cm