The Himba tribe of
Namibia is an ancient tribe of semi-nomadic pastoralists, many of whom still
live and dress according to ancient traditions, the Himba live in scattered
settlements throughout the Kunene Region. The homes of the Himba are simple,
cone-shaped structures of saplings, bound together with palm leaves and held
together with mud and dung. The Himba
believe in a god who created everything, but this god is very remote, and
communication with this god only takes place through the spirits of male ancestors. When a Himba dies, the body is wrapped
and bound in the skin of cattle and placed next to the 'sacred fire'.
The first period of
mourning lasts at least 24 hours, during which time cattle are slaughtered. The
person is buried far from the village, and the horns of the slaughtered cattle
are placed upon the grave. In the case of a man, the horns are placed upright,
whereas on a woman's grave, the horns point downwards. The greater the number
of horns on the grave, the greater the wealth and status of the individual.
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| Female Himba grave. By cowyeow on Flickr |
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| Source: © Rasetti 2003- LINK |
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| A traditional Himba grave - LINK |
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| Photo credit: Samantha Reinders - LINK |
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| Male Himba grave. By cowyeow on Flickr |
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