The beautiful people of Namibia's slums

 

Photos and text by Jacob Holdt

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The Herero people

Hereros used to be as naked as the Himba whom they are closely related to.
However, European missionaries were appalled by nudity and forced them to wear long, flowing Victorian gowns with multiple layers of petticoats made from over 12 m of material.
The Hereros internalized this oppression and today wear the dress with pride - though they admit that it is too hot. They also seem to have internalized the inhospitality of the Germans.
At least I didn't find them as friendly as the Himba.

       
Herero woman talking to Himba shepherd Herero woman cooking breakfast Herero mother and daughter selling meat Herero meets non-Himba
Herero woman talking to Himba shepherd Herero woman cooking breakfast Herero mother and daughter selling meat Herero meets non-Himba
Himba and Herero woman in my compound     Herero woman with water
Himba and Herero woman in my compound     Herero woman with water

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