Himba

Who are the Himba?

The Himba, or OvaHimba, are a semi-nomadic people living mainly in northern Namibia's Kunene Region and southern Angola. They are closely related to the Herero but have kept a distinct culture and language. The Himba are held together by strong clan ties, bilateral descent (tracing kinship through both mother and father), and shared traditions. Their society is organized around extended families living in homesteads, with a sacred fire at the center of each. The Himba are known for their resilience in a harsh, semi-arid environment and for maintaining much of their traditional way of life despite outside pressures.

Where do the Himba live?

The Himba live in the Kunene Region of northern Namibia, formerly called Kaokoland, and in adjacent parts of southern Angola. Their homeland is a hot, semi-arid landscape of savannah, mopane woodlands, and rugged mountains, shaped by the Kunene River. Rainfall is unpredictable, and water is scarce, so the Himba move seasonally with their herds to find pasture and water. The land is central to their identity and way of life, with sacred sites and ancestral graves scattered across the region.

What language do the Himba speak?

The Himba speak OtjiHimba, a variety of the Herero language, which belongs to the Bantu family within the larger Niger–Congo group. OtjiHimba is closely related to Herero but has its own distinctive features. The language is still widely spoken in daily life and is a key part of Himba identity. Some Himba children attend schools where other languages are taught, but OtjiHimba remains strong in the homelands.

How do the Himba live?

The Himba are mainly livestock herders, raising cattle, goats, and fat-tailed sheep. Cattle are the main source of wealth and status, while goats and sheep provide milk and meat. They also grow crops like maize and millet when rain allows. Women and girls do most of the daily work: milking, cooking, fetching water, and making crafts and clothing. Men tend the herds and handle construction and community decisions. Most Himba still live in traditional homesteads of circular huts made from wood, clay, and dung. Some income comes from crafts, conservancy work, and government aid.

How is Himba society organised?

Himba society is organized around extended families and clans, with a unique system of bilateral descent. Each person belongs to both a patriclan (through the father) and a matriclan (through the mother). Clans are led by the eldest male, but inheritance passes through the maternal line. Marriage is polygamous and often arranged, with cattle as bridewealth. Boys are circumcised before puberty, and girls are considered women when they bear a child. Daily life centers on the homestead, sacred fire, and livestock. Decisions are made by elders and chiefs, and care for widows and orphans is a communal responsibility.

What do the Himba believe?

The Himba are monotheists who worship Mukuru, their god, and venerate their ancestors. Each family keeps a sacred fire, tended by a fire-keeper, to communicate with Mukuru and the ancestors. Ancestors are believed to bless or curse, and rituals are held at the fire. The Himba also believe in omiti, a force sometimes translated as witchcraft or bad medicine, which can cause harm. Art and beauty are important: women cover their skin and hair with otjize, a red ochre and butterfat paste, for protection and as a symbol of life and beauty. Traditional dress and hairstyles show age, status, and marital history.

The history of the Himba

The Himba have faced many hardships, including severe droughts and wars. In the 1980s, drought killed most of their livestock, forcing many to become refugees or join paramilitary units. The Namibian war of independence and the Angolan civil war brought violence and displacement, with some Himba kidnapped or forced to fight. Despite these challenges, the Himba have preserved much of their culture. In recent years, they have protested projects like hydroelectric dams that threaten their land. International support has helped them defend their rights and maintain their way of life.

Himba life today

Today, the Himba number about 50,000, mainly in Namibia and Angola. Most still live in rural homesteads, herding livestock and practicing their traditions. Some children attend school, and some families earn income from crafts or conservancy work. The Himba face pressures from drought, land development, and changing laws, but continue to defend their land and culture. They have worked with activists to oppose projects that threaten their homeland, and their traditional way of life remains strong.

Questions people ask about the Himba

Sources and further reading

• Himba people on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

This page was written with AI assistance from the sources above and checked automatically before publishing. It may contain mistakes, and it is no substitute for hearing from the Himba themselves. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-02.