The Himba - Are we helping them or are we disrespecting them?

The “God’s Perspective” Dilemma

August 2019

The Himba are indigenous peoples with an estimated population of about 50,000 people living in northern Namibia.

The women are famous for rubbing their bodies with otjize, a mixture of butter fat and ochre, believed to protect their skins against the harsh climate. The red mixture is said to symbolize earth's rich red color and the blood that symbolizes life. One of the most remarkable Himba traits is that women are not allowed to use water for washing. Apart from applying red ochre on their skin, Himba women do take a daily smoke bath to maintain personal hygiene. (Source: Internet)

I had mixed feelings while visiting them. Upon arrival, we were encouraged to make donations to ‘improve their life quality’ while maintaining their culture. Later on, we were guided by a local man to a few tribal girls. The guide explained Himba tribe and asked the girl to show their body & attire & accessories. The girls were, I couldn’t articulate what exactly was the mood, but according to my observation, let us call it unwilling & grumpy. But still, they followed the guide’s word and did things robotically. I could sense the strong disguise from their eyes. I started to feel really uncomfortable and feel like the guide was forcing them. I kept checking with the guide and asked “Is she ok? She looks really unhappy. Are we tourists making them uncomfortable or disrespectful?” Again and again, the guide replied “No they are happy. You are helping them. They are happy!” 

At the end of my time there, I started to feel the ironic analogy of us “paying entrance tickets to visit a zoo and see the sad elephants perform tricks”. I confessed my feelings of being intruding and disrespectful the local guide. At the end of the day aren’t we all humans and aren’t we all equal? Tourists coming from a more modern living society does not mean they are more “advanced” and can be more condescending. 

“But you are in fact helping them economically. They might not understand it because they don’t see the full/big picture. But they will benefit from the donations you make eventually”, answered by the guide. 

But, don’t the feelings actually matter? Do the girls really need “the big picture help”? Do the girls more need their respect as a human being, or do they need the donations? Or - are they really willing to trade their basic human rights for donations? 

I had a dilemma thinking about these questions. Putting myself in the girls’ shoes, what will I do? Himba tribe, are they caught between traditions and modernity? How can we actually help to make them last longer?