Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The Himba/Herero
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The rich culture of Namibia is best experienced in the varied communities of its
Herero population (numbering approximately 120,000), of which the Himba of the
Kaokoveld are a subgroup. The characteristic Herero women's dress is derived from that of
Victorian-era German missionaries and consists of an enormous crinoline worn over a
series of petticoats, with a horn-shaped hat or headdress. In contrast, Himba women are
famous for smearing themselves with a fragrant mixture of ochre, butter and bush herbs,
which dyes their skin a burnt-orange hue.
Himba mother and child
DAVID CAYLESS / GETTY IMAGES ©
