Traditional Herero Dress among native women
Many traditional modes of dress have all but disappeared in Namibia. But, the Herero dress is still worn proudly by women in the Herero tribe(s). These dresses are generally hand-made by the Herero women, and are an important part of a young lady's "coming of age". It is considered a privilege to be allowed to put on and wear the Herero dress.The hat is supposed to symbolize the horns of the cape buffalo, one of the mightiest animals of southern Africa. The sleeves are designed to billow like an elephant's trunk.Although you sometimes see this type of dress made out of multi-colored cloth, we were told that true Herero dress is made from a single type and color of cloth. We were told that the Herero consider the patchwork types found in other parts of Namibia to be the equivalent of "hobo garb".Most Herero men seldom wear ceremonial or tribal dress, as their jobs force them to behave in...
