OVAHIMBA

During the time in Namibia I had the chance to meet a local man who is a Himba himself. I told him, Im a photographer aiming to take portraits of the tribes. He took me in to his village. The Himbas allowed me to spend time with them and take photos. In return we went to a grocery store to buy basic foods they could store in their huts. 
 
Traditionally the Ovahimba define wealth solely based upon the number of cattle the family owns. Besides having large cattle herds the Ovahimba breed goats and sheep, grow crops such as maize and millet. However their main diet is milk and milk products like sour milk as well as wild herbs, chicken eggs and meat.
During the dry season some members of the extended family leave the homestead with their herds to find water and grazing grounds in remote areas. Part of the family stays at the homestead.
The Ovahimba are known as the “red nomads” of Namibia. Especially the women, but also some men are famous for covering themselves with a perfumed mixture of ochre pigment and butterfat which has cosmetic characteristics. The ochre fat protects the Ovahimba against the sun and the climate of the extremely hot Kaokoveld and is also an effective mosquito repellant.
The hair style and the jewelry are very important in the traditions of the Ovahimba. Hair styles indicate social status and age.