Why are Himba people red?
The reason for this is otjize, a paste of butter, fat and red ochre – sometimes scented with aromatic resin – that Himba women apply each morning to their skin and hair, giving them a distinctive red hue. The sight of traditional Himba women has become an iconic image of Africa.
Who are the Himba women?
The OvaHimba are polygamous, with the average Himba man being husband to two wives at the same time. They also practice early arranged marriages. Young Himba girls are married to male partners chosen by their fathers. This happens from the onset of puberty, which may mean that girls aged 10 or below are married off.
What language do the Himba speak?
The Himba speak Otjihimba, a dialect of Herero. Herero is a Bantu language.
How old is the Himba tribe?
Namibia’s Himba people have walked the sands of northern Namibia for at least 6,000 years. We know this as their rock art at Twyfelfontein attests to their presence, their creativity, and their desire to make their mark on the landscape.
How do you say hello in Namibia?
Obviously the first thing you need to know in Namibia is saying hello. In Afrikaans, it’s a plain hallo (huh-low). The Germans say guten tag (gut-ten taahg) and in Oshiwambo its Wa lalapo, which means good morning. You can also use the slang term Howzit – which is a combination of hello and how are you all in one.
What language is spoken in the Himba?
The Himba women of northern Namibia are famous for their use of otjize, a paste of butter, fat and red ochre, which they apply to their hair and skin. For years, an ancient tribe of semi-nomadic herders known as the Himba has drawn photographers to Namibia’s barren northwest.
Why are Himba women’s faces red?
The reason for this is otjize, a paste of butter, fat and red ochre – sometimes scented with aromatic resin – that Himba women apply each morning to their skin and hair, giving them a distinctive red hue. The sight of traditional Himba women has become an iconic image of Africa.
What separates the Himba people from other tribes?
Men that are higher in the social hierarchy have more women. What separates the Himba people from other tribes is their physical look. They are extremely beautiful, and wear skirt made of leather in different colors. Elder women wear leather socks to protect their feet from dangerous animals.
What are the characteristics of Himba culture?
It is otjize, a paste of butter, fat, and red ochre. scented with aromatic resin, this is a mixture Himba women apply each morning to their skin and hair. It gives them a distinctive red hue look. The tribe is a patriarchic one. They believe in just one God, and they are prone to polygamy.