Himba pg 2
The Chief (pictured above) had us set up camp about 100 yards from their
compound in the sand of a dry riverbed. Our truck got a bit stuck, so the next
morning, many of them came to help us get it out. They were very friendly and had
great senses of humour. The sounds of their voices going back and forth as they
gathered sticks and debated on ways of getting the truck out was an amazing sound,
and I wanted to record it. I tried to be sly about putting my microphone out as to not
bother them, but 3 of the men noiticed and asked if they could sing into it. Some of
the tribe had seen things like this before, but many hadn't. I said of course (through
the translator) and pressed record.
Below is a picture of the three men who sang, and an audio file of some of their song.
compound in the sand of a dry riverbed. Our truck got a bit stuck, so the next
morning, many of them came to help us get it out. They were very friendly and had
great senses of humour. The sounds of their voices going back and forth as they
gathered sticks and debated on ways of getting the truck out was an amazing sound,
and I wanted to record it. I tried to be sly about putting my microphone out as to not
bother them, but 3 of the men noiticed and asked if they could sing into it. Some of
the tribe had seen things like this before, but many hadn't. I said of course (through
the translator) and pressed record.
Below is a picture of the three men who sang, and an audio file of some of their song.
Sung by Katjiningua (centre). Vakataka,
one of the chief's sons is on the right.
one of the chief's sons is on the right.
They were happy to hear their voices played back, and were happy to share more, which they
did later. It was important that we got the car moved to the new camp site (closer to the water
hole at the chief's suggestion) so I did not take much time to record now. The main purpose of
the trip was the psychology research, and anything I could get on the side without interfering
would be great. But it was important to start with the tests.
We moved to the new camp site and the tests began. I spent most of my time playing with the
kids and learning words. Katjiningua (above) was very friendly towards me and we developed a
sort of unspoken friendship. He taught me many words and, later in the trip, showed me how
they make jewelery (photo on pg 3). It was a great to have the feeling of friendship from
someone who lives in such a different world. He has no electricity, no roads to his area, very little
education (he was one of few who had attended a mobile school for a little bit) and has had very
little contact with the western world. But people are people, and we understood each other.
did later. It was important that we got the car moved to the new camp site (closer to the water
hole at the chief's suggestion) so I did not take much time to record now. The main purpose of
the trip was the psychology research, and anything I could get on the side without interfering
would be great. But it was important to start with the tests.
We moved to the new camp site and the tests began. I spent most of my time playing with the
kids and learning words. Katjiningua (above) was very friendly towards me and we developed a
sort of unspoken friendship. He taught me many words and, later in the trip, showed me how
they make jewelery (photo on pg 3). It was a great to have the feeling of friendship from
someone who lives in such a different world. He has no electricity, no roads to his area, very little
education (he was one of few who had attended a mobile school for a little bit) and has had very
little contact with the western world. But people are people, and we understood each other.
This is the water hole that the Himba used for both their own water and for their animals. They
are semi-nomadic. They have a permanent compound that they like to return to, but will live in
different places depending on the water situation.
are semi-nomadic. They have a permanent compound that they like to return to, but will live in
different places depending on the water situation.
Though they do not have regular schools, many of them had learnt to write their names and
were very happy to show me.
Many people ask me if they are "poor" or live in poverty. Though they are very isolated and
do not have things like electricity, television and the conviniences of a grocery store, they
don't really need these things. They do not have much money, but they wouldn't have
much use for it as the nearest town is probably a day's walk away. What they do have is
their animals - cows, goats and donkeys. You have no standing in the tribe if you do not
have animals and they represent their wealth. Each child is given some animals when born,
which is like a trust fund. Our guide sold some of his animals to go to school and learn
English. So they have things they can sell for money if they need it. Some of the tribes that
are closer to town also make and sell jewelery.
were very happy to show me.
Many people ask me if they are "poor" or live in poverty. Though they are very isolated and
do not have things like electricity, television and the conviniences of a grocery store, they
don't really need these things. They do not have much money, but they wouldn't have
much use for it as the nearest town is probably a day's walk away. What they do have is
their animals - cows, goats and donkeys. You have no standing in the tribe if you do not
have animals and they represent their wealth. Each child is given some animals when born,
which is like a trust fund. Our guide sold some of his animals to go to school and learn
English. So they have things they can sell for money if they need it. Some of the tribes that
are closer to town also make and sell jewelery.