- Address: North Namibia, Namibia, Namibia
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Civilization changes the face of the Earth and the people living in all its corners. So throughout the XX century, most of the African tribes lost their identity, only depicting the observance of the ancient way of life in favor of tourists. But there is an exception: in the north of Namibia there lives a tribe of the Himba, over which progress and the benefits of civilization have no power.
general information
Himba - an African tribe in Namibia, whose number is not more than 50 thousand people. This people does not count the years, they do not know their age, and for centuries keep traditions, honoring their ancestors. For a long time, the people of the tribe did not contact the white people, and few knew about them. The tribe of the Himba since the 16th century leads a semi-nomadic existence, engaged in cattle breeding. They grow special breeds of cows that cost a long time without water. Livestock - this is the main inheritance and wealth, which as food is not even considered. "Money does not give a new life," says the people of the African tribe Himba.
Life and traditions
The tribe of the hemb carefully observes the customs , worshiping the souls and graves of the ancestors and the god Mukuru. They have been living peacefully for centuries in the desert with a huge water shortage. Of the clothing hemb wear loincloths of animal skins, fixed on the body with straps. Vessels, hollowed out their pumpkins, replace them with dishes. The Himba people have a lot of unique knowledge about man and nature, transmitted and replenished from generation to generation. With money from the sale of animals, they buy corn flour, sugar and sweets to children. A small income brings the sale of souvenirs and handicrafts to tourists.
Distribution of family responsibilities
The distribution of duties in the Himba tribe is slightly different from those to which we are accustomed:
- the leader is the head of the Himba tribe, whose duty is to maintain fire day and night. The sacred fire represents the unity of the spirit of the tribe, besides it is the link between the dead and those who are now living. This tradition of the Himba tribe provides prosperity and the life of the people. The fire is extinguished only in the event of the death of its keeper. The leader watches the observance of the rules and traditions at the time of marriage, the birth of a child and other rituals of the Himba tribe wearing a special "erenge" bracelet that confirms his authority;
- men are not burdened with duties. They acquire a family after 30 years, having already several children by that time. They are allowed to have up to 4 wives, and the leaders can afford even 6! Even the ancient grandfathers marry, "lending" their wives for the night to their sons. To keep seven men not allowed, they can only roam with herds of cows and goats. If the husband is not at home for a long time, he will not present his wife any claims for treason. Upon his return, the spouse will not even reproach his wife, and calmly take a non-native child;
- women of the Himba tribe are doing everything: they keep housekeeping, take care of livestock, take care of children, build huts ("kraal"), make utensils and extract water. Also, wood is harvested and clothes and ornaments are made. Children help them in everything.
- the children of Himba are the pride of the tribe. Kids hair is shaved, the older one is left with a small bundle. Girls wear short braids braided with a forehead. After losing their virginity, they comb the braids back. Boys in 12 years knock out 2 or 4 lower teeth during the ceremony of adulthood, which allegedly provides them with protection from dangers and patronage of their ancestors.
Appearance
Much attention is paid to appearance, because it plays a big role in the Himba tribe, points to the situation in society and some phases of life.
Some interesting examples:
- married men wear a turban, and women on their heads make a semblance of crowns made from goatskins;
- women of the Himba tribe are carefully watching themselves, caring for the skin and hair. They wear short skirts made of soft leather and a lot of jewelry made of copper, pearls, shells. Tall and slender, with delicate features, almond-shaped eyes and excellent posture, could easily work on the catwalks of Paris models. They rub their body with a "magic" red-orange mixture that protects their skin from insects and scorching sun. They make it from rocks of volcanic rock, turning them into powder, and oils from cow's milk, also add ash, elixirs from plants and ocher. Thanks to this, the woman's skin becomes incredibly soft and fragrant. On the ankles, they wear jewelry, which is a kind of version of the wedding ring, you can also learn about the number of children. These centuries-old rituals allow the tribal women to remain the most beautiful among all African tribes. In the photo below the woman is a hemb in all its glory.
Interesting Facts
About the life of the unique tribe hemb will tell such details:
- cone-shaped huts are built of young trees and palm leaves, they are smeared with a mixture of manure and clay;
- the people of the tribe never bathe, every drop of water they drink;
- each resident has a second "European" name;
- There are no amenities inside the dwelling, there is only a mattress;
- After the land is scaling, the tribe of the Himba goes to another place.
How to visit the Himba tribe?
All those wishing to visit the village of Himba should start from the town of Opuvo. There you need to rent an SUV for a 3 hour journey along the road C 41. Go better with a local guide who will negotiate with the leader of the tribe about the visit. The people of Himba are good-natured and smiling people. They do not seek any benefit from your visit and do not need all that they have never had.