The Himba
The Himba people are an indigenous group living in the Kaokoland region of Namibia, in the hot and semi-arid climate of the area. Both Himba men and women are known for their traditional clothing, which is designed to suit their living environment. This often consists of skirt-like garments made from calfskins and sheepskin, or more modern textiles, and occasionally sandals for footwear.
One of the most distinctive aspects of Himba culture is the elaborate hairstyles worn by both men and women. From puberty, Himba boys wear a single braided plait, while girls have many otjize-textured hair plaits, some of which are arranged to veil the girl’s face. In daily life, the plaits are often tied together and held back from the face.
Married women who have been married for about a year or have had a child wear an ornate headpiece called the Erembe, which is made from sheepskin and adorned with many streams of braided hair that are coloured and styled with otjize paste.The Himba people are also known for their traditional use of wood ash for hair cleansing due to the scarcity of water in their region.
They are a polygamous society, with the average Himba man being married to two wives at the same time. Himba culture is the practice of early arranged marriages. Young Himba girls are often married to male partners chosen by their fathers. This practice is closely tied to the Himba people’s strong cultural traditions and their belief in the importance of preserving their cultural heritage.
Overall, the Himba people are a culturally rich and unique group, with a strong connection to their traditions and a deep respect for their cultural heritage.
Married women who have been married for about a year or have had a child wear an ornate headpiece called the Erembe, which is made from sheepskin and adorned with many streams of braided hair that are coloured and styled with otjize paste.The Himba people are also known for their traditional use of wood ash for hair cleansing due to the scarcity of water in their region.
They are a polygamous society, with the average Himba man being married to two wives at the same time. Himba culture is the practice of early arranged marriages. Young Himba girls are often married to male partners chosen by their fathers. This practice is closely tied to the Himba people’s strong cultural traditions and their belief in the importance of preserving their cultural heritage.
Overall, the Himba people are a culturally rich and unique group, with a strong connection to their traditions and a deep respect for their cultural heritage.
