Herero Woman Costume

4 comments
Photography

On the way to Damaraland from Swakopmund, we stopped by a roadside market operated by Herero women who wore very distinctive long, flowing Victorian gowns and headdresses. Multiple layers of petticoats made from very long colorful fabric give a voluminous look. It is their traditional dress since introduced by the missionaries in the 1800’s.  Herero is the third largest ethnic group in Namibia with 7% of total population.

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A retired professional engineer, nature lover and avid photographer

4 thoughts on “Herero Woman Costume”

  1. shungphotography's avatar
    shungphotography says:

    Indeed, the dresses were colorful — it was a warm day but I did see them sweating!

  2. americasuits's avatar

    very colorful dresses, in any other country it would be considered as costumes, but by nature, these actually dress. Amazing

    • shungphotography's avatar
      shungphotography says:

      Thanks for the comments. I agree, it’s their day-to-day “dress”.

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