HIMBA

Writeup "Migrating form the central parts of Africa, this people was known as the Tjiimba people. However, they begged for food in order to survive and as a result they became known as the Himba, meaning ""the people that beg"". Himbas are tall and proud people. Perhaps the most distinguishing feature of this people group is their love for self adornment. Jewellery is made of metal, leather, and shells which enhance their well-defined facial bone structures. Women rub ""otjize"" - a mixture of powdered red rock, butterfat and sap taken from a local tree - over their bodies and into their hair. In the early morning and late afternoon light it gives them a deep reddish colour. Hairstyles play a vital part in identifying the social status of women. Two thick braids are worn in front of the face up to puberty. These braids are replaced by a multitude of thinner strains hanging in all directions from the head after puberty. Moving into adolescence these strains are lengthened and tied back away from her face, signalling her readiness to marry. An ""erembe"" - a ruffled piece of goat's leather - is tied to the top of a woman's head when she marries. This is also the last time a woman's hairstyle changes. As is the case with women, hairstyles also indicate the marital status of men. Single men wear their hair in one single braid sweeping backwards from the crown of the head while married men tie their hair in a turban-like fashion with wood shavings mixed into it.

Grave clearing sessions, ukojambera (funeral), marriage, puberty of girls, and circumcision of boys are all events that are celebrated. Most celebrations are accompanied with dancing and drinking. Either mud huts or branch covered huts are used for shelter.

Marriage is pre arranged by the girl's parents at the time of her birth. After her puberty celebration she is given to her husband-to-be who has to pay her parents about twenty cows. Girls usually marry between ages 15 and 17. Old people are taken care of by their families. Fire is sacred to the Himba. Legend has it that years ago spirits told the Himba to use the holy fire as a means of communicating with their ancestors."

• Country: Namibia
• Population (year): 2.2 million (1995)
• Major Religion: Christian
• Percent Christian: 91%
• Percent Evangelical: 8.9%
• Openness to Missionaries: Open"

1. HAVE THEY HEARD THE GOSPEL?

Who is Jesus Christ to them:

3% Believe Jesus is the Son of God
85% Have never heard His name

2. HAVE THEY RESPONDED TO THE GOSPEL?

Believers to population: 1 believer to every 32 people (total believers - 2 000)(3%)

3. DO THEY HAVE A CHURCH?

There are a few churches reaching out to the Himbas; however, it is uncertain how many churches have been planted.

4. DOES THIS PEOPLE HAVE THE WORD OF GOD TRANSLATED INTO THEIR MOTHER TONGUE?

Yes, the Bible has been available since 1987.

5. ANY HINDRANCES TO SCRIPTURE DISTRIBUTION?

Literacy rate: 8%

6. WHAT OTHER FORMS OF GOSPEL PRESENTATIONS ARE AVAILABLE?

Jesus Film: Yes

7. ARE THEY RECEPTIVE TO CHANGE AND TO CHRISTIANITY?

The Himba people are coming increasingly more into contact with western culture and as a result their own culture is changing. It has also resulted in them becoming more open to the gospel.

8. DO THEY REQUIRE OUTSIDE (CROSS-CULTURAL) ASSISTANCE?

Yes, the majority of this people group still need to hear the gospel in a clear, understandable, and effective way."