Photographic Reflections on the Himba
In the early 2000s, I traveled to Southern Africa as a photographer for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to document how drought exacerbated the HIV/AIDS crisis. My assignment also focused on the crucial work of National Red Cross Societies to support local communities with HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention.
During a trip to northern Namibia, I encountered the Himba people, a fascinating tribe that immediately captured my attention. My background in cultural anthropology compelled me to learn more, and thankfully, Himba volunteers from the Namibian Red Cross Society served as my guides to their community and culture.
Himba father and daughter. © Marko Kokic/IFRC
The Himba are a seminomadic pastoral society deeply connected to their cattle. Their economy, food, and clothing largely revolve around these animals, and daily life centers on tending to the herds. Cattle ownership, a measure of wealth held exclusively by men, plays a significant role in their social structure.
The Himba practice polygamy, with men often having multiple wives. Older men with larger herds tended to have younger wives, sometimes monopolizing them.
Namibia’s semi-arid landscape necessitates dispersing herds to find adequate grazing and water. This responsibility falls to the wives, who often manage separate herds, presumably far from their husbands' direct supervision, and it is not uncommon for these women to have younger lovers.
Himba woman crafting traditional jewelry. © Marko Kokic/IFRC
In one location, my Himba Red Cross guide and I happened upon a group of Himba women seated elegantly beneath a tree. Upon speaking with them, we discovered they were three generations of the same family: a grandmother, her daughters, and a granddaughter.
Three generations of Himba women. © Marko Kokic/IFRC
During our conversation with the matriarch, she readily admitted to having three lovers. My Himba guide explained that their culture doesn't stigmatize children born outside of marriage. Any child born to a married woman is considered hers and her husband's, regardless of biological parentage. Children born to unmarried women become the responsibility of the woman's parents, considered her brothers or sisters. I was struck by the sophistication of this system, designed to avoid the strife that sometimes plagues my own, monogamous society. I shared with the matriarch that infidelity in my culture often leads to jealousy, even violence and murder. She was astonished to hear that we sometimes kill each other over sex.
This conversation offered me a powerful glimpse into their culture. The stark landscape and setting sun illuminating this family of women sitting under a tree made for a perfect environmental portrait. They agreed to be photographed. The available light illuminated the matriarch's face while casting intriguing shadows on the rest of her family. I wanted a candid shot, so I avoided posing them directly. As I often do, I spent time talking with my subjects. Eventually, in a quiet moment, the novelty of my presence wore off, and they resumed their natural interactions. I captured this photo when their attention was briefly diverted behind me.
The photograph, which I named “Generations,” was the winner of the Life category of the World Health Organization’s “River of Life” international photo competition in 2004.
Taken on Kodak Portra 400 color negative and Fuji Velvia 100 color reversal film (I later transitioned to digital photography), these images remind me of the discipline instilled by shooting on film. Limited by the number of exposures, each shot was carefully considered, especially since development wouldn't happen for several weeks. Although I shot it in color for the IFRC, I converted my scans into black and white for my own use, finding the result more compelling.
Later in my travels through Namibia I learned that intermarriage with the neighboring Zemba tribe, who sometimes venture into mainstream Namibian society before returning to their traditional ways, was a possible factor in HIV/AIDS transmission among the Himba. The Himba’s practice of polygamy, extramarital relationships, and the dispersal of herds during droughts could all contribute to their vulnerability.
Namibian Red Cross volunteers, including Himba members, worked tirelessly to educate their community about HIV/AIDS. Their efforts focused on prevention, safe sex practices (including condom distribution), and the importance of seeking antiretroviral treatment. They also worked to combat the stigma surrounding the disease.
Disclaimer: This account is based on my personal experiences and observations during a brief period with the Himba people. While I have anthropological training, I did not conduct a formal, in-depth study. My analysis is anecdotal and should not be considered an expert or comprehensive assessment of Himba culture or the complexities of HIV/AIDS transmission within their community.
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