The Himba is an amazing community that has maintained its traditions and way of life for many centuries. Today, representatives of this tribe can be found even in large cities of the country, but they remain truly untouched by modernization in the northern part of Namibia – on the border of Angola.
If you are planning a trip to Southern Africa and want to meet the indigenous people, then we will tell you why the Himba are so interesting and where you can meet them.
Semi-nomadic lifestyle
The Himba tribe is one of the most fascinating and traditional tribes in Namibia. They are known for their unique way of life, which is deeply rooted in their culture and traditions while their women are recognized as the most beautiful.
Traditionally, the Himba live in small settlements of simple mud houses. They constantly roam from place to place searching for pastures and sources of water for their herd. Their way of life is consentrated around their connection to the land, their livestock and ancestors. While they face many challenges with water and land resources, they have managed to maintain their cultural identity and continue to thrive in an ever-changing world.
One of the main values of the tribe is family. Women do all the housework up to the construction of housing, and men do livestock raising. Children also play an important role as they learn the traditions and culture of the community from a very young age.
The Himba people have a strong spiritual connection with their ancestors and the natural world. They believe that everything is connected and that they have a responsibility to take care of the land and animals around them. Following their religion, they practice the trance and communication with the spirits of ancestors, who are the authority in making any important decisions, from buying livestock to choosing a bride or groom.
Cultural features
The Himba culture is rich and diverse, with many unique traditions and practices. The use of red ocher, intricate hairstyles, and beadwork are just a few examples of the fascinating aspects of their culture. These customs are deeply ingrained in the Himba way of life as an essential part of their identity.
The Ondjongo dance is a symbol of unity and community spirit among the Himba people. It is also a way of preserving their cultural heritage and passing it on to future generations. The dance is characterized by rhythmic movements of the body and feet. Usually, it is a celebration performed during important events such as weddings, initiation ceremonies, and other cultural gatherings.
One of the most striking aspects of their culture is the use of red ocher. The Himba tribe mixes it with clay, incense and goat’s milk cream. When water is scarce, this is a basic skin care treatment that gives its characteristic red colour, which is highly valued in their culture.
Himba women can spend hours braiding their hair, decorating it with beads and smearing it with clay. These hairstyles are an important part of their personality and are often used to indicate a woman’s age, marital and social status. Women often add pieces of woven hay, goat hair, and artificial hair extensions to lengthen the braids they make. Thick braids and shiny hair are considered a sign of fertility among the Himba community, indicating a woman’s capacity to give birth to healthy children.
How to meet representatives of the Himba tribe
The place of traditional residence is the Kunene region. It is located in the northwestern part of Namibia. Here, local people still live in villages, wear their traditional clothes, jewellery and hairstyles and follow ancient customs and beliefs.
Of course, every tourist wants to visit their settlement. AfricaBrut tours usually include a visit to a village, where you can interact with the locals, take pictures, and learn about their activities. However, when visiting the settlements of the Himba tribe, you must respect their culture and traditions. They should not be disturbed when they are busy with their own affairs. In addition, you should value their customs, do not take pictures without permission and do not touch their things. It is important to remember that they deserve respect. Indeed, in addition to all of the above, the Himba are very friendly towards guests.
From cooking, dancing, traditional games and beauty procedures, meeting the Himba tribe is an unforgettable experience that will give you an insight into their unique way of life and will remain in your memory forever!
