Himba live on both sides of the border separating Namibia and Angola. Since the 19th century the Himba of Namibia have moved back and forth across the border in response to drought, war and repression. The Himba have been referred to as "multi-use strategists." They combine semi-nomadic pastoralism with periodic wage labor and handicrafts, as well as other small-scale rural industries. Like many indigenous peoples in southern Africa, they have a great deal of knowledge of their environment and relatively simple but efficient technology. Their population is small and widely distributed.
Himba Kitchen
Himba Chicken on a casual stroll
Himba hut
Himba storage hut
Himba woman showing the red ochre they use for beauty. Ochre powder and butter fat are mixed until the mahogany colour is right. The mixture is then applied by the women in the morning and afternoon as a way of refreshing themselves and as a deodorant.Photo Courtesy by Brian McMorrow
Married women wear a small headpiece made of soft skin on top of their braided and ochered hair. In addition, they often wear a heavy ornament around their necks that includes a conch shell that hangs between their breasts in the front and a metal studded leather plate that hangs down the center of their back. They also wear heavy metal rings around their ankles, as well as other jewelry made of copper, ostrich shells, or woven reeds.
"The beautiful remote area of Epupa Falls was one of the highlights of my travels in Africa. This photo, I believe, is one of the best I have ever taken."
"The children seemed happy to be taking a break from their chores, which included collecting manure in tin bowls.We were told that the manure is used to repair the small huts the Himba live in.
Our visit was organized by the upscale Epupa Falls camp. In return for allowing us to visit the village and take photographs, the camp gives the village a small box containing things like coffee, tea and sugar."
Himba children collecting manurePhoto Courtesy by Brian McMorrow
EmoticonEmoticon