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Journal of Undergraduate Research

Keywords

Himba tribe, Namibia, botanical resources, medicinal, healing, film, documentary

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Anthropology

Abstract

How is one to maintain and preserve a dying culture? The Himba tribes of Namibia are facing such a crisis. Globalization continues to displace more and more their traditional way of life. The once deep-seated traditions of the ancestors are being replaced with drunkenness, the wearing of western attire, and mass exodus to the city in hopes of “a better” life. The knowledge that was once respected and honored is vanishing. Documentation seams to be the only form of preservation. Therefore, I headed to Africa to document the Himba’s dying art of healing. My journey began long before I set foot on the continent. I would be spending a month living in the bush near the homesteads of the indigenous tribe. I was to have a camping experience unlike any other. I stocked-up on the necessities: cot, sleeping bag, utensils, and of course—Hot Tamales. My funds that didn’t go towards the plane ticket, were given towards the film. I purchased the necessary rolls, which turned out to be over 15 (And spent a good amount of money developing them in the end). My project was to be predominantly a documentation of photographs.

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