The Himba: Background Information


The Himba are sometimes referred to as the "Red People" because of the application of otijize by the women of the tribe. It is applied to the skin and hair, and is also used to stabilize hair in order to create spectacular shapes on top of the head with a member's hair. The women use a mix of butter, fat, and ochre to create the paste that is applied to their hair and skin. To the Himba, this is the ideal form of beauty.

This European woman traveled to Africa to live with the Himba. Upon her arrival, they dressed her as a Himba and even applied the otijize. Watch what happens when she emerges sporting her new look...the Himba think it's hilarious!

A Himba woman with an intricate hair style

Some facts about the Himba:

• The Himba never wash...even after childbirth
• When they do wash their hands, it is with a special dust, never water
• They are descendents of the Herero, a herder tribe who fled to northwest Africa after persecution by the Nama tribe
• Water is seen as a precious resource and is used exclusively for drinking, cooking and water for animals (cattle are seen as a symbol of wealth)

Ready to visit?

The Himba are generally very receptive and hospitable to foreigners. But, don't arrive empty handed! As retribution for staying with them, you'll be expected to present food or even a monetary donation. The Himba have had many pictures and videos taken of them, but it is customary to always ask permission before recording them. Also, you should always ask permission before entering a homestead. Another valuable piece of information is to never ever walk between the sacred fire and the headman's hut as this is seen as a very disrespectful gesture.

 

This visitor must have made a large monetary donation

References

Barnett, Errol                                                                                                                                                     2012 The Himba: Namibia’s Iconic Red Women. Electronic Document, http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/11/world/africa/himba-namibia-inside-africa/index.html, November 20.

 

Yalon, Dror  

The Himba: The Most Beautiful People in Africa. Electronic Document, http://www.pbase.com/dror_yalon/the_himba__the_most_beautiful_people_in_africa, November 25.

 

New African Frontiers                                                                                                                                               The Himba: New African Frontiers. Electronic Document,       http://www.newafricanfrontiers.com/countries/namibia/people-of-namibia-himba-tribe.htm, November 26.

 

Power of Peace                                                                                                                                          Namibia- The People. Electronic Document, http://www.powerofpeace.com/regions/namibia/people, November 26.