The Women of the Herero
Nambia. Africa. A photo story about the tribe that refused to surrender
Photos by Ksenia Leus
Herero people
Our journalist and
photographer, Ksenia Leus, shares memories from Africa
photographer, Ksenia Leus, shares memories from Africa
Lately, and especially in recent years, I hear the word “sorry” far too often. I have nothing against the word itself. But this time, I decided not to apologize for not sharing my photographs from an expedition to southern Africa earlier — and instead simply begin sharing them now, even though more than ten years have passed since that journey.
Did the Germans apologize after killing 80% of the Herero tribe* at the beginning of the twentieth century? I doubt it.
But they did leave behind beautifully built roads, transformed Namibia’s infrastructure, and, in a strange twist of history, influenced the unforgettable and fiercely distinctive style of Herero women. To this day, the women wear twisted fabric horns on their hats — a visual echo of resistance and revolution.
These horns have become symbols of defiance and strength, carried proudly upon their heads.
It is said that the Herero people once ruled over other tribes across Namibia and neighboring regions of southern Africa. Cattle herders by calling, they managed to preserve the one thing that mattered most: dignity.
And what about us?
What will we carry through this crisis and pass on to future generations?
What are your thoughts, friends?
Did the Germans apologize after killing 80% of the Herero tribe* at the beginning of the twentieth century? I doubt it.
But they did leave behind beautifully built roads, transformed Namibia’s infrastructure, and, in a strange twist of history, influenced the unforgettable and fiercely distinctive style of Herero women. To this day, the women wear twisted fabric horns on their hats — a visual echo of resistance and revolution.
These horns have become symbols of defiance and strength, carried proudly upon their heads.
It is said that the Herero people once ruled over other tribes across Namibia and neighboring regions of southern Africa. Cattle herders by calling, they managed to preserve the one thing that mattered most: dignity.
And what about us?
What will we carry through this crisis and pass on to future generations?
What are your thoughts, friends?
Namibia. Women.
Photos by Ksenia Leus
*
The Herero (originally known as the Mbandu) are an ethnic group living primarily in Namibia, as well as in Botswana and Angola. They speak the Herero language, part of the Bantu language family. Today, their population numbers around 240,000 people.
In terms of religion, some are Protestant Christians, while others continue to practice traditional beliefs. Their traditional occupation is cattle breeding.
In Namibia, many Herero people work on farms or engage in trade; in cities, they are often merchants and artisans. In Angola, the Herero are primarily cattle herders.
Between 1904 and 1907, during the suppression of the Herero uprising by German colonial troops, approximately 65,000 people - around 80% of the Herero population - were killed.
The Herero (originally known as the Mbandu) are an ethnic group living primarily in Namibia, as well as in Botswana and Angola. They speak the Herero language, part of the Bantu language family. Today, their population numbers around 240,000 people.
In terms of religion, some are Protestant Christians, while others continue to practice traditional beliefs. Their traditional occupation is cattle breeding.
In Namibia, many Herero people work on farms or engage in trade; in cities, they are often merchants and artisans. In Angola, the Herero are primarily cattle herders.
Between 1904 and 1907, during the suppression of the Herero uprising by German colonial troops, approximately 65,000 people - around 80% of the Herero population - were killed.
