Sacred Fire - Religion

In order to represent their ancestors, the Himba have what is known as their sacred fire. This fire is constantly burning 24 hours a day. This sacred fire is highly respected by everyone in the tribe even though it may only be a single log burning at a time. All of the tribes huts must be facing away from the fire which is located in the center of the tribe, aside from the tribes headsman whom has his hut facing the fire. Strangers are forbidden to walk between the sacred fire and the headsman hut according to the Himba beliefs. The headsman is in charge of religous ceremonies at the sacred fire that are known to reconnect the tribe to spirits of their ancestors.