Namibia and the Himba 2014
Namibia is a vast country in southwest Africa, distinguished by the Namib Desert along its Atlantic Ocean coast. Sparsely populated Namibia has enjoyed stability since gaining independence in 1990 after a long struggle against South African rule. Namibia is an otherworldly nation of desert landscapes and incredible biodiversity. There is life among the colossal dunes, rugged mountains and ship wrecked skeleton coast. I remember ballooning silently above the dunes and losing myself in the patterns of the country below.
The Himba are an ancient tribe of semi-nomadic herders, many of whom still dress and live according to ancient traditions. The characteristic look of the Himba comes from intricate hair styles, traditional clothing, personal adornments and the use of a mixture of goat fat, herbs and red ochre called otjize. This paste is rubbed on the skin, hair and traditional clothing. The Himba practice monotheism and ancestor worship.
