The Himba People of Namibia
The Himba, also known as the Ovahimba, are an indigenous group, with a population of around 50,000, residing in northwest Namibia and across the Kunene River in Angola. The Kunene River has been the ancestral home of the Himba people for over 500 years. The Himba people are thought to have migrated from Eastern Africa in the 16th century before eventually settling in Namibia's Kunene region. Initially, they were part of the Herero tribe and not a separate entity. However, in the late 19th century, a severe bovine epidemic prompted the Himba to relocate to the Kunene Region, seeking new land for better survival prospects. This led to a division between the Herero and Himba tribes, resulting in the emergence of a distinct Himba identity.
During the late 19th century, Namibia was colonized by the Germans, which had a significant impact on the Himba way of life. The colonial regime introduced Christianity and imposed bans on practices like polygamy and animism. Forced labor, displacement, and land confiscation further marginalized the Himba, favoring European settlers. When South Africa took control of Namibia in 1915, these policies continued, leading many Himba people to move to urban areas in search of work. Nonetheless, the Himba maintained a strong connection to their ancestors and continued to practice animism as well as preserve their unique indigenous cultures and traditions.
The Himba are notoriously known for the distinctive red ochre color on the women's skin and elaborate hairstyles adorned with intricate jewelry and beads. The red ochre, called otjize, serves as a cosmetic and protection against the harsh climate and insects. The otjize paste is a cosmetic mixture of butterfat and ochre pigment which is used to cleanse the skin over long periods due to water scarcity and the extremely hot and dry climate in the Kunene Region. Otjize is primarily thought of as a highly coveted cosmetic for skin protection and aesthetic attractiveness and a symbol of the Himba ideal of beauty. It also represents the earth's deep red color and blood as the essence of life.
Additionally, the fact that Himba women are prohibited from using water for washing themselves and their clothes is one of their most striking characteristics. It is believed that this practice dates back to the time of the great droughts when water was scarce and only men were given access to it for washing. Himba women perform daily smoke baths in addition to applying red ochre to their skin to maintain personal cleanliness. They will wait for the smoke to rise before placing some smoldering charcoal into a small bowl of herbs, mainly leaves and little branches of Commiphora trees. They will then bow over the smoking bowl and begin to sweat as a result of the heat. They wrap themselves in a blanket for a complete body wash, allowing the smoke to become encased in the blanket. These smoke baths induce perspiration, maintaining personal hygiene.
As a semi-nomadic, pastoralist indigenous group, livestock farming, particularly breeding fat-tailed sheep and goats, is their primary occupation, with cattle ownership representing their wealth. Rain-fed crop cultivation, such as maize and millet, supplements their livelihoods. Non-farming income sources, like wages and pensions, play a minor role. They are however constantly threatened by climate change-induced challenges like droughts and reduced pastureland as well as mining and development projects, especially the Baynes hydroelectric dam.