Visual Storytelling

My Scholarship entry - Born a Himba

NAMIBIA | Monday, 24 November 2014 | Views [2089] | View Larger Image

After many hours Menjamwapi has given birth. Straight after birth, the baby was rubbed in soil to remove all fluids and the umbilical cord was cut and buried in the soil of the hut to represent the newborns connection to her ancestors land.

Menjamwapis mother Kakuve is known as a midwife in the region. Himba women give birth naturally at home with no medical intervention. A second midwife has joined when the mother discovered the baby is inverted. They have messaged her belly in different positions in order to turn the baby around. A few moments before birth she was positioned in a kneeling position where she gave birth.

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A moment of joy shared by Menjamwapi, her mother and sister after the successful birth. The whole family will share the responsibility of raising the baby. This family unit lives with no men. Both sisters are unmarried which becomes a common phenomena with the Himba as men are drawn to cities. Women often find themselves responsible for all aspects of life.

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Visual Storytelling

My Scholarship entry - Born a Himba

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