Herero Hero, a photo from Kunene, North

Photographer's Note

The Herero people are an ethnic group of people mainly living in Namibia, they are traditionally pastoralists and make a living tending livestock, they are especially attached to cattle. Originally they belonged to the Himba people but then branched off as a separate tribe.

The dress of the ladies is very distinctive (almost victorian), the dress falls to the ankles and includes long sleeves and a bodice that buttons up close to the neck. Over this, many women also wear a shawl. Under the dress the women wear around eight petticoats to add fullness to the skirts. As a hat, Herero women wear a uniquely shaped headpiece that is said to resemble, and pay tribute to, the horns of their cattle.

Between 1904 and 1907 many of the Herero peoples died in a battle with the then German colonists, the Herero and Namaqua Genocide is considered to have been the first genocide of the 20th century.

Here a Herero ladies carries some firewood back home just outside the town of Opuwo.

ikeharel, rbassin, abmdsudi, holmertz, daddo, Didi, jjcordier, sevy, siolaw, bayno, COSTANTINO has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

ikeharel (38022) 2013-03-08 8:16

Good evening Wanda,
Went through your gallery before writing this, and must say your collection of portraits is amazing.
Here is a fabulous and well taken photo of the native lady, face expression tells she was looking at you with an inquisitive glance, maybe not so happy to be on camera.
Colors of her dress and her hat is a magnificent fashion details on the outland's.
Fine presented, have a nice weekend,
Ike

rbassin (11371) 2013-03-08 8:31

bonjour Wanda
Un magnifique portrait, bonne présentation et bien cadré.
les détails et couleurs du tissus sont superbes,et mis en valeur par un bon ensoleillement.
Bonne soirée
Roland.

abmdsudi (27068) 2013-03-08 9:54

Hi Wanda
Welcome back!
A great portrait, you are giving us a wonderful geography lesson as well. A picture of great information showing glimpse into this colourful ethnic woman and this place alive, depicting her elaborate headdress and the beautiful outfit. She appears quite natural, relaxed pose and yet her look is powerful imho. This is indeed a very warm inviting image and the overall presentation of this is very pleasing. Great shot and my congrats, TFS
Warm regards

holmertz (27182) 2013-03-08 10:17

Hello Wanda,
It's nice to see again one of your rare contributions. I like this portrait very much. Along with the note it's very informative, and I think that you have captured a lot more than the woman's colourful clothes and very special hat. She faces your camera with a look that I find inquisitive and self-assured and expresses a lot of integrity.
Kind regards,
Gert

daddo (18617) 2013-03-08 14:49

Hi Wanda. Back with your wonderful portraiture skills. I suppose there are days when one does not feel like smiling for the camera-and all the better for you as now we have a look on this woman's face that can be interpreted in many a way, especially when one reads your note and looks at the title.Maybe she thought you were German. Just joking as I am sure with your engaging smile you were given her approval to take a photo. Great colours and light.I do like the hat and the overall care these Herero women take to maintain their traditions.Keep up the great work. Best wishes. Klaudio.

Didi (49140) 2013-03-08 15:50

Hi Wanda
Interesting and nice portrait of this local woman with a good selective sharp setting with a blur background
Well done
Best regards

jjcordier (63016) 2013-03-08 22:56

Wanda
Très beau portrait de cette femme au regard fier (et certainement amoureuse si on en croit les deux cœurs entrelacés?). J'aime aussi le "chapeau" qui sert au transport du bois et la beauté du tissu.Jolie réalisation.
Amicalement
JJ

sevy (13365) 2013-03-09 10:55

Hello Wanda,

Happy to see you again. I notice I miss some of your posts.
I like your choice of composition showing the dress with all its components and the woods put on her head.
As well a good choice for the depth of field: sharp on the woman, and the fence in background blurred enough not to disturb the view.
What a look! At first reading, I was thinking you used a tele lens like a 200mm, and the woman discovered you. But no, you used a 85mm so she was well aware of you.
Now, I am not sure to be able to interprate the look of this woman. So time I would like to be able to read in the mind. But the mystery is not so bad also.

Yves.

siolaw (37626) 2013-03-09 23:26

Hi Wanda
I just saw a highly disturbing documentary about the sad fate of Herreros and Namas when Germans occupied Namibia... terrifying stuff!
Excellent portrait of this proud Herrero woman with impeccable quality.
Regards
Laurent

manrezaei (1721) 2013-03-12 12:55

Hello Wanda,

Very nice portrait you give here. Splendid focus on details and very warm natural colours you captured. Well done.

Best regards

Mansour

ifege (9503) 2013-03-15 2:20

Hi Wanda
A great portrait of this woman going about her daily activities.
cheers
Ian

bayno (16395) 2013-04-15 2:44

Ciao Wanda,
very sad to ear about this ethnic group...and them genocide...your portras is woonderful, well managed the strong light, very particular also the dress and the colors....very good details too with perfect boket....
best regards,
Valter

wolf38 (28280) 2013-04-15 22:50

Hello Wanda. Woman in traditional dress. This is a great portrait in the best technical quality. My compliments for this photographic excellence.
Rgds, Wolfgang.

COSTANTINO (42760) 2013-05-11 3:51

Hello
worthseeing shot and nice portrait
with interesting details
I liked the traditional clothes
one shot is one thousand words
nice pov,great sharpness
have a nice weekend
Costantino