Tjamuaha
Namibian chief
About Tjamuaha
Lived 1790 – 1861 (aged 70–71). Tjamuaha was a paramount chief.
Tjamuaha (also: Tjamuaha waTjirwe, literally , born ca. 1790 in Otjikune, died December 1861 in Okahandja) was a chief of the Herero people in South-West Africa, today's Namibia, and the father of Maharero. He was a close ally and subordinate of Jonker Afrikaner, Captain of the Oorlam Afrikaners, and stayed with him in Windhoek for most of his chieftaincy. With Tjamuaha's death, hostilities started between the Nama people and the Herero.
This made it necessary for the clans to unite as a group. That is how, on 15 June 1863 at Otjizingue (now Otjimbingwe), Maharero was elected as the commander-in-chief of all Herero clans. Later Maharero was elected the first Paramount Chief of the Herero people.
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Important facts
Family & relationships
People in Tjamuaha's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Related people
Same field, nearest in time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Tjamuaha's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Tjamuaha?
Namibian chief
When was Tjamuaha born?
Tjamuaha was born in 1790 in Okahandja.
When did Tjamuaha die?
Tjamuaha died on 1 December 1861 in Okahandja.
What was Tjamuaha's occupation?
Tjamuaha was a paramount chief.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Tjamuaha. https://biography.guide/tjamuaha/
MLA: "Tjamuaha." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/tjamuaha/.
Chicago: "Tjamuaha." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/tjamuaha/.
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