The Himba People

Tradition and Challenges in a Changing World

Facts

According to some estimates, around 50,000 Himba still live in Namibia today. Determining a concrete, reliable number is made difficult by the census method, which only records ‘Namibians’, but not their ancestry.

History

The Himba people are an indigenous ethnic group primarily residing in the Kunene region of Namibia and parts of southern Angola. They are descendants of the Herero people, who migrated to the area centuries ago.

Over time, the Himba developed a distinct identity, shaped by their semi-nomadic pastoralist lifestyle and deep connection to their land. Despite facing colonial pressures, including forced labor and land seizures, they have preserved their traditions and cultural identity.

Beliefs

The Himba have a strong spiritual connection to their ancestors and nature. Their belief system revolves around ancestor worship, with rituals performed to honor past generations. They also believe in Mukuru, a supreme deity who governs the universe. Fire plays a crucial role in their spiritual practices, symbolizing communication between the living and the ancestors.

Culture

Himba culture is rich and visually striking. They are known for their distinctive appearance, particularly the red ochre paste (otjize) that women apply to their skin and hair. This mixture, made from animal fat and ground ochre, protects their skin from the harsh climate and is considered a symbol of beauty. Their social structure is patriarchal, with male elders making key decisions, though women hold significant influence in domestic and spiritual matters. Polygamy is common, and marriages are arranged to strengthen clan ties.

Daily Life

The Himba live a subsistence lifestyle, relying on cattle herding as their primary economic activity. Cattle are symbols of wealth and status, and their daily routines revolve around tending to livestock. Women are responsible for milking cows, collecting firewood, and preparing food, while men oversee herding and trade.

Their villages consist of circular huts made from mud and dung, reflecting their adaptation to the arid environment.

Environment

The Himba inhabit a harsh, semi-desert terrain, characterized by extreme temperatures and scarce water sources. Their nomadic lifestyle allows them to move in search of pasture and water for their cattle. However, climate change has intensified droughts, threatening their traditional way of life.

Challenges …

…  as they navigate the pressures of modernization and environmental change.

Despite their resilience, the Himba face growing challenges from modernization; they include:

• Land and Resource Struggles: Their traditional pastoral lifestyle depends on access to grazing land and water, but the impacts of increasing land development, climate change and tourism disrupt their self-sufficient economy, disable sustaining their way of life and even rely on external aid.
• Environmental Challenges: Droughts and changing weather patterns make it harder for them to maintain their livestock-based economy.
• Cultural Erosion: As modernization spreads, younger generations are exposed to urban influences with tempting expectations, leading to shifts in traditional customs and values.
• Health Risks: Limited access to healthcare and exposure to modern diseases have impacted their well-being.
• Legal and Political Pressures: Government policies and external influences sometimes conflict with their traditional land rights and autonomy.

Despite these challenges, the Himba people continue to demonstrate resilience in preserving their cultural identity.

Summary

The Himba people stand at a crossroads, balancing tradition and adaptation in an evolving world. While some embrace aspects of modernity, others strive to preserve their heritage, ensuring that their unique identity endures despite external pressures.