The following photographic series by Horst Klemm portraits the beautiful craft that the Himba have developed; their own adornment.
Horst's framed photograph range, featured in this article, is available here

In about 1650 the Herero speaking Himba (or Ovahimba) people moved south from lush southern Angola and settled in one of the most arid regions of Africa, The Kaokoland. They have had to eek out a living in the inhospitable deserts near Etosha in Namibia in southwestern Africa. We are not sure why they had to move out of Angola but probably because of warring Angolan tribes conquering more land.

Around 1850 their land and cattle were taken by the warring Namas who lived to their south and the Himba were forced north over the Kunene River where they became a despised people, having to beg to survive.
During the 1920's they once again ventured south to their land. The land only they had been able to live off, and slowly built up their cattle stock and, once again, established their nomadic existence.

But the drought in 1980 lasting about two years wiped out most of their resources and the border war which raged for the following eight years almost finished them off.
The Himba of today have begun to see the benefits of eco-tourism and are blending their traditions with those of the west. Sadly though they are loosing, not only their young people, but also their unique lifestyle.

The Himba have survived despite the war, famine and harsh conditions surrounding them. Their positive philosophy and courage are evident in their day to day life. They have a lot to offer the world, unique leadership styles, strong family bonds even over great distances in the deserts, and a wonderfully sincere sense of humor.

But perhaps the Himba's beautiful and somber attire shows us the best picture of man at one with nature. The Himba have not subdued their surroundings, neither have they been subdued by them. Rather they are one with their world. The Himba make all their clothing from leather and rub ochre into their clothing and skin. Ochre rubbing forms a part of every ritual. They respect their earth, possibly because they have no room to take it for granted.