The Himba tribe of Tanzania is the African tribe that offers free sex to guests. The fascinating and distinct culture of the Himba tribe served as the inspiration for the character ‘Binti’ in Nnedi Okorafor’s captivating novella trilogy bearing the same name. Deep in the Kunene and Omusati regions of Northern Namibia, the semi-nomadic Ovahimba and Ovazimba tribes reside, embodying the essence of the Himba people.
In their daily lives, the women of the Himba tribe engage in tasks such as milking cows and caring for children, while the men embark on hunting expeditions that can span extended periods. With a population exceeding 50,000, the Himba embrace a polygamous lifestyle, wherein girls are married off to suitors chosen by their fathers upon reaching puberty.
Here’s the Himba tribe, the African tribe offering free sex to guests;
Despite the influence of Western culture and external pressures, the Himba have diligently preserved their ancestral traditions. Among these customs is the traditional belief that “Man comes first,” whereby decision-making is primarily entrusted to men, and women prioritize fulfilling their husbands’ desires and demands.
THE HIMBA TRIBE
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They are predominant to Northern Namibia. They smear red ochre mixed with animal fat on their skin to preserve moisture. Due to scarcity of water to bath, they burn fragrant leaves and smoke their bodies.
They also offer sex to visitors. pic.twitter.com/qmrboTEZii
As documented by The Guardian, a unique aspect of Himba hospitality is the practice known as “Okujepisa Omukazendu.” When a guest arrives, a man expresses his approval and warm welcome by offering his wife for the night while he sleeps in a separate room or outside if necessary. This custom aims to foster connections and minimize jealousy within the community.
Another enduring tradition is the prohibition of bathing. Instead of conventional water-based bathing, Himba women partake in smoke baths and apply aromatic resins to their skin. They consider the color red to symbolize “Earth and blood,” and their distinct reddish hue is derived from the otjize paste—a blend of butterfat, omuzumba scrub, and ochre. This paste serves as a protective layer against the unforgiving desert sun and insect bites.
While the representation of the Himba people in literature has been limited, Nnedi Okorafor’s ‘Binti’ trilogy breaks new ground. The protagonist, Binti, hails from the Himba tribe and embodies their unique practices. Okorafor vividly describes the tribe’s use of the “sweet-smelling otjize,” a mixture of ochre and butterfat applied to the skin and hair for protection against the desert sun. It is worth noting that in the novella, the Himba are portrayed as non-nomadic, diverging from the reality of the Himba people who lead a semi-nomadic lifestyle.
