There is only one thing more important for the Himba than their physical appearance: the cattle. They are the basis of their economy and a subject which arouses a great deal of passion and rivalry. It is more than a merely economic activity, affecting also political, social and religious aspects of life. Building and repairing the huts is traditionally the work of the women, as is milking the cows.
Kushai, Samgao, Tuka and Bo left Chonwati several hours ago. Not even they know when they will return the hunt can last for days, or even weeks. Nonetheless, they take with them only what is strictly necessary: the bows and arrows, the iron bars, a knife, the implements to make fire, and tobacco. To compensate for the lack of water, the men know a number of tricks. One is the Koa, which lies hidden beneath the ground. It is a fleshy bulb whose roots contain a bitter liquid. This they use for drinking and washing, out here on the scorching desert plains.
Tobacco and Dagga, or marihuana, are also important elements in the culture of the Bushmen. Nowadays, they rarely smoke Dagga, and the tobacco they obtain by means of exchange with the Jerero tribe. Both men and women are heavy smokers