The Himba of Namibia are one of the last tribes in the country to retain their traditional way of life. They are primarily located in Kaokoland which is mountainous, very dry, and sparely vegetated, in the northern part of Namibia. They are herdsmen who breed mostly goats and some cattle and live a semi-nomadic life, moving between Namibia and Angola. They speak Otji-Herero which is the same language as the Herero people.

The women of the Himba tribe are very distinctive looking, with their red skin and hair.  Red Ocher or iron oxide is ground into a fine powder, mixed with oil and rubbed on the skin like lotion, removing all hair and skin imperfections, while also protecting their skin from the sun. Red Ocher is also mixed with mud and applied to the hair. Chinese hair extensions are attached to their own hair and then covered with the Ocher mixture. They remain in place for 1-3 months, depending on hair growth.  They then crush the mud, pull out the extensions, and reapply.

Himba women do not bathe with soap and water but cleanse themselves by smoking their bodies.  A hide is placed over a wooden twig teepee, which is placed over some burning coals. They cover themselves with a blanket and stand over the teepee, letting the smoke cleanse their bodies. Smoking eliminates any lice, fleas, or odor. They continually apply the red ocher mixture and grind fragrant woods, which they mix with oil, and apply as scent.

The Himba women are adorned with jewelry which they make from leather, shells, iron, and copper. They are topless and wear mini-skirts made of goat skins, decorated with shells and metal pieces. Thread for sewing the skins is made from the strands of the maize flour sacks, which is one of the staples of the Himba diet.

Most Himba children do not attend school.  The boys will remain with their mothers until they are approximately 10 years of age and then will join their fathers to manage the herds.  Himba girls will stay with their parents, until the onset of puberty, after which time she will marry.

Photographs in the collection:

So Serious 080

Ready for Marriage 196

Kisses 204

Little Big Man 193

Sewing 209

Ankle Bracelets 205

Deep in Thought 214

Himba Jewelry 219

Young Girl 263

I Spy 347

Welcome to my World 461

Daddy's Boy 089

Tribal Elder 094

Beading Necklaces 015