Africa - Namibia -Himba Tribe

The Himba ethnic group, who have kept their ethnic individuality and culture in the seclusion of Kaokoland, live a unique lifestyle.

Normally, men dominate the day to day activities of a village, but in the Himba tribe women assume this role. This story as seen through the eyes of the eldest daughter and the first wife of the Himba Chief, follows them through a child wedding and tribal ceremonies. Ancient rituals and magic are common among this tribe, and when an illness arises in the village, ritualistic unified dancing and singing lasting five days and nights is performed to cast the illness from the person.

The Holy fire, or sacred fire, continuously burns inside the first wife's home and guards the village with ultimate protection.

The Himba tribe always consists of one leader considered the chief of the village. He has six wives, whom surprisingly get along with each other. They share each others children and homes except for the Chief's first wife. She is granted prime position in the tribe and always resides with the Chief in the first home, or master home, built for the tribe. The sharing of children, the Chief and the land, is the experience of life within this tribe. They embrace the oneness in all of us.