Himba Encounter
Ongongo, Damaraland, Namibia
The captivating Himba people of Namibia have become quite familiar with the gazing eyes of tourists and have found ways to leverage this position to preserve their traditional way of life. What I experienced was a friendly exchange a short walk from our campsite in the Damaraland region.
We found the ochre painted women sitting in the shade of a tree next to a mud hut, looking out over a massive herd of Nguni cattle. After an introduction facilitated by our local guide, we offered the gifts of food we had been advised to bring as an exchange for taking photos. They were grateful for the maize, sugar and cooking oil but said we first also had to buy some hand crafted jewellery. With the go-ahead given, it felt awkward to just start snapping away. This was something I had anticipated so I had brought a Polaroid camera along. I explained that I could give them their own photos. Suddenly everyone jumped up to put on their finest regalia and jostled to be next in line for a portrait. Once the film cartridge was finished, I took out my rather bulky DSLR but by then the ice had been broken and nobody seemed to mind.
