Himba People of Namibia

"Learning expands great souls" —Namibian proverb

The Himba women in Namibia have a distinct and captivating style that reflects their culture and traditions. One of the most striking features is their red matted braids. These intricate braids are created using a mixture of animal fat, ash, and ground red ochre known as otjize. The Himba hairstyle is a multifaceted art form, also reflecting marital status, age, and wealth.

Himba women's necks are often embellished with one prominent shell and iron and copper jewelry. The shell ornamentation is the result of trading with nearby tribes. Women have a significant role in raising and educating village children. Together, women teach the next generation cultural values and Himba traditions.

Hair is a defining factor not only for Himba women but also for men. A single plait or ondatu on the head is a distinctive marker of a single man within the community. Cattle have long provided the economic cornerstone and food source for the Himbas, but with ongoing droughts, tending to cattle is less practical; Himba men often leave their villages to herd their goats, leaving the family for months.

Himba village locations visited in 2017 include Serra Cafema near the Angola border and those near Epupa, Namibia.