This unique tribe from northern Namibia has stood up to the vicissitudes of history. There is, so to speak, no geography or map that has erased them from their incessant errances through time and through history. Determined, perhaps even proud, they persist and remain oblivious to the beclouded modern world. Clinging to survival, peaceful, almost tame, always transhumant.

In the legendary Himba clan, the role of women is predominant. They transform aridity into art, which, through barter, becomes their sustenance, their provisions, and the continuation of their existence. To prepare their food, they carry out long journeys under the incessant sun in order to obtain water and firewood. Firmly grasping to the perpetuity of their traditions, they hold their own, and the Himba women nurture the world. They stand up against transculturation, acculturation, and the tempting allure of modernity. These women strongly uphold and dignify the value and the strict sense of “community.”Tireless and dynamic, they dance, applaud, celebrate, and never stop, as they tenaciously move forward.

As a photographer, what struck me most was their unique and interesting appearance, but what made my dream real was the deep admiration that I immediately felt towards them.We live in a world where authenticity, values and traditions are fading away in many cultures, where the impact of external influences have made us neglect our internal connections. We have lost the link between ourselves as human beings, and with nature.To me, the Himba reflect just the opposite.

My connection with this wonderful tribe allowed me to understand the true meaning of protection. This book was created as an invitation to keep a watchful gaze, so that we can be able to be part of a united humanity, to be able to admire and respect its richness, and to remain open hearted and minded.