Namibia Dolls Kunene Himba People

Two dolls representing the Himba people living in the Kunene region in northern Namibia. The tallest doll carries a baby on the back. The Himba, especially the women, cover themselves with a mixture of butter fat, ochre and herbs to protect themselves from the sun. They dress in calf and sheep skin that is treated with ochre as well.

Folklore is in the air… uhm… ear!

Details

Object Dolls wearing traditional costume
Origin Namibia
Culture Himba people
Medium Fabric, animal skin, beads, zipper
Mark or Tag None
Made by Unknown
Size H 20 & 16 cm
Dated Not dated
Acquired Fleemarket, 20 cm doll in 2023

Postcard

Here’s a postcard that matches these dolls. It shows how the people living in Namibia are dressed in their traditional costume.

Text on the back of the postcard: ‘Ovahimbas, S.W. Africa’. Printed in Windhoek, Namibia. Postmark unclear.

Happy collecting,