Megan Rae Petersen and Dr. David P. Crandall, Anthropology
How is one to maintain and preserve a dying culture? The Himba tribes of Namibia are facing such a crisis. Globalization continues to displace more and more their traditional way of life. The once deep-seated traditions of the ancestors are being replaced with drunkenness, the wearing of western attire, and mass exodus to the city in hopes of “a better” life. The knowledge that was once respected and honored is vanishing. Documentation seams to be the only form of preservation. Therefore, I headed to Africa to document the Himba’s dying art of healing. My journey began long before I set foot on the continent. I would be spending a month living in the bush near the homesteads of the indigenous tribe. I was to have a camping experience unlike any other. I stocked-up on the necessities: cot, sleeping bag, utensils, and of course—Hot Tamales. My funds that didn’t go towards the plane ticket, were given towards the film. I purchased the necessary rolls, which turned out to be over 15 (And spent a good amount of money developing them in the end). My project was to be predominantly a documentation of photographs.
The majority of my research was accumulated on my treks with Benny. I owe a debt of gratitude to my Himba guide. He wanted to share all the knowledge he had and I was appreciative for his willingness and thoroughness. Benny’s hikes were known to be notorious and grueling, but very insightful and productive. After the adventures I tried to estimate the distance covered. We usually traveled ten miles each day. I realized it was a lot to travel when no one would come with us more than once.
Another informant was Kovetonwa. He was the traditional healer who was often found at Veta’s homestead. I was unaware of him until the last week of out stay with the Himba. It would have been beneficial to have known of his existence earlier. He provided insights on one nature hikes. However, because of the character of his knowledge – witchcraft and traditional healing – the remedies were often tied to powers and skills that only he possessed, so less beneficial to the ordinary Himba.
The knowledge I was collecting was an example of traditions being pushed out by globalization. Each time I returned from a hike, I was often greeted with demands for tablets. I wanted to respond, “Go find the Omutati tree if your stomach hurts.” But I often gave in and would extract a handful of red tablets with the instructions, “Take only one a day.” What follows are just two of the documented pictures and notes from the Himba of what they use for medicinal–and other practical—purposes.
Omutati
The Omutati tree is often referred to as the ‘Ironwood tree’ and is distinguished by its green leaves mixed with yellow. The Omutati is very abundant in the valley; the usage of this tree was common knowledge that most shared when asked which plants where used for medicine.
I. Stomach aches – Remove the leaves and bark from the Omutati tree. Take the two items and cook in water. Drink the broth to help relieve stomach aches.
II. Upset stomachs – Chew the leaves from the Omutati tree. Spit the leaf out and swallow salvia.
III. Burns – Use the leaves once again from the Omutati tree. Chew the leaves and spit mixture directly on to burn. (However, it is very bitter tasting).