Chikwama
/ chee-KWAH-mah /
- Gender
- Girl
- Origin
- 🇦🇴 Angola
- Religion
- Traditional
- First Seen
- —
- Trait
- Precious
Meaning & Etymology
Treasure
Treasure
Etymology
From the Umbundu word chikwama, meaning ‘treasure’ or ‘valuable thing’.
Linguistic family: Niger-Congo > Atlantic-Congo > Volta-Congo > Benue-Congo > Bantoid > Southern Bantoid > Bantu > Narrow Bantu > Central Bantu > Kimbundu-Umbundu
Cultural context
Reflects the value placed on children as treasures in Ovimbundu society.
Symbolism
Symbolizes the child’s worth and the love and care bestowed upon them.
Naming ceremony
The naming ceremony involves family and community members who celebrate the child as a precious gift.