Cape Town – South African presenter Gerry Elsdon reflected on the time she was on the receiving end of derogatory comments because of her “physical features & hair texture,” as she explored the Himba culture during her vacation.
Elsdon took to Instagram to share those memories with her followers.
“There was nothing worse or more painful than being called Boesman or Hottentot in a derogatory manner as a kid based on my physical features & my hair texture. Reciting ‘sticks & stones’ didn’t always take the hurt away,” she wrote.
“While one of my siblings has dived head first into Khoisan culture I have no such desire. Even though we are not descendents of the Himba or Herero people sitting around the ‘holy fire’ with this family was intriguing.
“I did hit a bump… my excitement quickly turned to awkwardness because our presence felt intrusive my hubby said ‘voyeuristic.’ Then, complimenting one of the women on her beauty and soft skin caused a ruckus? One guide said the chief asked why I thought only women were beautiful… Another guide said complimenting only one woman caused offense. Both acknowledged things got lost in translation.
“The Himba are known for their red skin & red matted dreadlocks, painstakingly styled by mixing animal fat, ash and ground ochre, made & worn by the women. They were happy to demonstrate and that was a perfect segue to get out of the holy circle. My dreadlocks made very little impression on this crowd.”
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“The demonstration was amazing! The ochre paste that they ground on a stone acts as moisturizer and sun protection and it works! I had one light arm to prove it after I managed to scrub it off. Himba women begin to wear the paste from puberty,” she continued recounting her experience with the Himba people.
“Every item worn by the woman has cultural significance or practical value. Showcasing the beauty and worth of the Himba woman is very important. Whether its the Erembe. The crown made of goat leather put on a girls head when they reach puberty. Or the ankle bracelets that indicate the amount of times the women had given birth. Both will never be taken off and worn with pride.
“Without regular rain the Himba women found different ways to maintain personal hygiene. Breaking up perfumed herbs and mixing them into oils to apply to the body or lighting the incense with coal and covering themselves with a blanket to trap the perfumed smoke to their bodies.
“I liked the smell. I bought a bridal head piece from their crafts market. I need my daughters married off……. So it’s best to be prepared.”
View other pictures and stories from Elsdon’s vacation here:
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Picture: Instagram/ @gerryelsdon
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Compiled by Junaid Benjamin
