Abstract provided by author:
This paper tries to consider and reveal ideas which are expressed in metaphorical meanings of riddles and how these meanings are related to people and culture. The analysis of the form, content and the use seems to give light to the meaning of riddles. Specially interesting is the question of the relationship of proverb-riddle. Riddles have multiple relationship with other elements in culture
I have used the missionary collections on Ovambo riddles and proverbs as sources of information for the study of the Kwanyama riddles. Loeb (1951) and Estermann (1976) have contributed a lot to the study of the Kwanyama folklore. Their books and my fieldwork of April 1991 at Ongha, remain my main sources