We recently stumbled upon this video from ohAFRO and were rather taken aback. Firstly, the title is rather, shall we say, straightforward. Nothing wrong with that, we guess. But we still thought it was a wee bit brazen. Nonetheless, the channel posted it on YouTube, so they must know what they’re doing. But, more importantly than the video’s title is that we have never heard of the Himba tribe and, so, were curious to learn more. As background, The Himba are an indigenous ethnic group living in the Kunene Region of Namibia, in southwestern Africa. They are semi-nomadic pastoralists known for their distinctive appearance, traditional customs, and strong sense of community.
Traditionally, the Himba people are nomadic herders, relying on livestock such as cattle, goats, and sheep for their sustenance. They move across the semi-arid landscapes of northwestern Namibia in search of grazing land and water sources.
But, what makes The Himba famous for their unique appearance, characterized by the use of red ochre (a natural clay pigment) mixed with animal fat, which they apply to their skin and hair. This mixture gives their skin and hair a reddish-brown color and protects them from the harsh desert sun. Women, in particular, wear elaborate hairstyles and adorn themselves with jewelry made from shells, beads, and metal. Stunning is a way to say it better. They practice a form of animism and believe in a higher power called Mukuru. They also honor their ancestors, believing that their spirits play a role in daily life. Ancestral worship and rituals are essential aspects of their spiritual practices.
For us, anyway, there is a lot to learn and a lot to like about this tribe. Watch the video above and be prepared to be mesmerized. Give it a watch. We think you’ll enjoy this fresh approach to travel videos.
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