THE HIDDEN FRAME

Photo by Thomas Hegenbart

The OvaHimba, a community deeply rooted in the pastoralist traditions of Northern Namibia and the Angolan borderlands, are custodians of a culture that is both ancient and vibrant. Their identity is symbolized by the otjize paste, a mixture of butterfat and ochre pigment, which they apply to their skin, giving it a rich red hue that is as much a part of their tradition as the cattle they rear. These cattle are central to the OvaHimba way of life, providing sustenance, social status, and a living link to a pastoral heritage that stretches back over centuries.

While the OvaHimba are often celebrated for their commitment to traditional ways of life, they are far from isolated from the broader currents of Namibian society. In fact, they navigate a fluid spectrum of engagement with the world around them, particularly those living near Opuwo, the urban center of the Kunene Region. Here, OvaHimba mothers are known to take their children on routine excursions to local supermarkets, merging the convenience of modern retail with their distinctive approach to community and family.

Historically, the OvaHimba’s lineage has been sculpted by both the arid might of their environment and the tumult of regional politics. Notably, during Namibia's struggle for independence, the OvaHimba played a crucial role as custodians of the northern borderlands. Their land became a battleground, and their nomadic routes turned into pathways of resistance against colonization. Today, this historical resilience continues to echo in their steadfast grip on tradition, even as they navigate the concrete and steel of urban life. Thus, the OvaHimba not only preserve the past but carry it with them, a living, breathing history that survives in each market visit and each sunset watched over the Kunene.