By Ephemera documentary
Angelo Chiacchio
Sunrise in Opuwo (2018) by Angelo ChiacchioEphemera documentary
They survived epidemics. They survived genocides. They are the OvaHimba, a semi-nomadic, pastoral tribe of northern Namibia. Despite their resilience, the “Himba” seem unable to slow their surrender to the modernization of the country. And now come new challenges linked to climate change.
The tribe’s women are the symbol of the Himba way of life. The women cover their bodies with red powder. They adorn themselves with handmade jewelry and use mud to style their hair.
For centuries, the Himba have lived in desert homesteads. Today, many are moving to cities for better job and educational opportunities.
Aerial view of Himba homestead (onganda) (2018) by Angelo ChiacchioEphemera documentary
Morning reveals the circular shape of an onganda. The homestead consists of a handful of huts surrounding a kraal for keeping livestock. Goats and cows are viewed as sacred.
Himba family making breakfast (2018) by Angelo ChiacchioEphemera documentary
A Himba mother makes breakfast for her children.
Himba women sitting in the shadow (2018) by Angelo ChiacchioEphemera documentary
Sunlight pierces the hut where Mbendura lives with her mother, Himundu.
Himba woman portrait (2018) by Angelo ChiacchioEphemera documentary
Mbendura wears an erembe, a traditional headpiece sculpted from sheepskin. It represents her status as a young wife and mother.
Portrait of old himba woman (2018) by Angelo ChiacchioEphemera documentary
Himundu is one of the oldest women of the homestead.
The red tone of her skin comes from otzije, an ochre pigment used to cleanse her skin and protect it from the harsh climate.
Himba otjize-textured hair plaits (2018) by Angelo ChiacchioEphemera documentary
Adult Himba women also use otzije paste to cover their braided hair.
Himba girls braiding hairs (2018) by Angelo ChiacchioEphemera documentary
Learning the traditional way of braiding and texturing their hair is an essential task for all young Himba women.
Himba girl getting water (2018) by Angelo ChiacchioEphemera documentary
Girls play an important role in the family structure as they are called upon to walk to the nearest water source.
Himba girl with goat (2018) by Angelo ChiacchioEphemera documentary
Barely teenagers, they are entrusted with taking care of the livestock.
Portrait of young Himba girl (2018) by Angelo ChiacchioEphemera documentary
This young girl wears her hair forward to signify that she has not yet reached womanhood.
Young Himba girl with GSM phone (2018) by Angelo ChiacchioEphemera documentary
Despite the Himba tribe being one of the most well-preserved in Africa, their young girls are starting to feel the call of modernity.
Urban Himba girls (2018) by Angelo ChiacchioEphemera documentary
These two young girls left their homestead and moved to nearby Opuwo to receive a proper education. They struggle with leaving their Himba customs behind and face discrimination from classmates.
3D scan of Himba hut (21th Century) by Angelo ChiacchioEphemera documentary
When a Himba family moves away, their hut remains empty. The traditional Himba hut appears quite simple at first. However, the mixture of wood, grass and mud used to build the huts has provided protection from the severe climate for thousands of years.
Himba family having dinner (2018) by Angelo ChiacchioEphemera documentary
For those who stay on the homestead, life is still without many of the modern comforts afforded by urban life.
Night in the Himba homestead (2018) by Angelo ChiacchioEphemera documentary
As the dinner fire burns out, the day comes to a close.
Himba woman in town (2018) by Angelo ChiacchioEphemera documentary
Conclusion
Will these Himba women be able to both adapt to the modern world and maintain their distinct culture? Or will they have to surrender much of their traditional lifestyle to ensure a better future for their children?
Terra by Angelo ChiacchioEphemera documentary
This story was created with the support of Art Works for Change, a nonprofit organization that creates contemporary art exhibitions and storytelling projects to address critical social and environmental issues.
Written, shot and produced by Angelo Chiacchio
Copy editing: Al Grumet, Rajesh Fotedar
With the support of: Google Arts & Culture, Art Works for Change
Thanks to: Accra Kwalela, Ptshimanda Omkuku.
