The Himba are a fascinating study. They are an ethnic group
of about 20,000 to 50,000 people living in northern Namibia (31st largest country in the world), in the Kunene
region. They are mostly a nomadic, pastoral people.
The homes of the Himba are simple, cone-shaped structures of
saplings, bound together with palm leaves and plastered with mud and dung.
Still dressing according to ancient tradition, the
characteristic ‘look’ of the Himba comes from intricate hairstyles, traditional
clothing, the use of personal adornments in the form of jewelry, as well as the
use of a mixture of red ochre, butter and resin from the Omuzumba shrub. This
paste is known as ‘otjize’ used as protection against the weather and a skin
lotion. It is rubbed on the skin, into hair and onto traditional clothing.
Recently they have built two villages in Kamanjab which have
become tourist destinations.
Here are a few videos showing daily life of the Himba
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