The Heroro People Of Namibia

THEHEROROPEOPLE OFNAMIBIA

Traditional AttireOf A Painful History

© Hans Hillewaert https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Herero _ ladies.jpg

Heroro people are Bantu speaking ethnic group residing in southern part of Namibia. They speak Otjiheroro as their local language (Bantu language). They also live in Angola and Botswana. A 2013 census showed that the Heroro people who settled in Namibia were estimated to be about 250,000 people. Their main source of income comes from domestic animals. Most of them are herdsmen because cattle rearing is the most profitable domestic activity. The Heroro men focus more on rearing of domestic animals and trading of cattle and other livestock.

The main responsibilities of the women include: cattle milking, crop harvesting and taking care of their families. They also known for their unique traditional attire, which they wear with great pride and great confidence.

However, in the late 19th century, the Germans tried to colonize them and gain control over them by seizing their land and animals (their main source of income). The Germans were unsuccesful because of the strong bonds possessed by the Heroro people. They were determined to keep their lands and heritage. The Germans decided to use another tactics which was genocide. This painful experience was the main reason for the inspiration behind the Heroro cultural attire popularly known as ?Ohorokova?. Their traditional attire stands as a reminder of their painful history and a continued protest against the Germans who slauhtered their people in cold blood. The Ohorokova attire inlcludes a well-lined colorful dress with a vibrant pattern?s that creates a wide structural skirt with several petticoats. This attire is not complete without the unique cow horn shaped hat, which is the symbol of their cattle and herdsmen origin. The attire is worn every day by older or married women.

Young maidens wears theirs only during special occasions. The Heroro people managed to showcase their identity and at the same time pay homage to a part of their history through their traditional attire. Their general belief is that the attire tells their story.