Africa is a very diverse continent with some of the most colorful cultures, traditions and people. The continent has endured eons of years, often leaving only a few clues to help unravel its past. However, images and photographs are extremely important to get a glimpse into the strange and fascinating Africa that has been around for ages. Images of Africans provide a link to the missing past and to Africa removed from the present and changing.
Aside from the political divisions of the continent in different countries, there are many cultural differences between the very many ethnic groups on the continent, but the beauty is that they come together as a perfectly blended community, built on nature and still in tune standing with her. These incredible images of African people offer a whole new perspective on Africa’s most colorful traditions as reflected in their suits, ornaments, piercings and decorations.
Some of these ornaments, piercings and decorations are part of cultural clothing based on traditions thousands of years old, while others are mere acts of embellishment. What’s striking in all of these cases is that there’s a lot of color mixing going on (a study may be needed to confirm that Africa has practiced and is the inventor of the now-hip “color blocking” that’s making waves in the fashion industry). Take your time and explore these images of African people and get more insight into an incredible Africa.
See also: African masks: types and interesting facts about them
Muhuila women Angola
The Muhuila women of Angola are known for their necklaces, which often lengthen the neck as they add the beads over time. Interestingly, they wear different types of necklaces to differentiate each period of their life. Once married, they will wear a series of stacked pearl necklaces named “Vilanda” that they will never have to take off. The Muhuila Women also love very colorful clothing that usually matches their unique hairstyle.
Jovenes Mursi – Mursi Youth
Karo Man
Karo (also called Kara) is a small tribe with an estimated population of one to three thousand people. They live on the east bank of the Omo River in southern Ethiopia. If there’s anything in common with the warriors of Karo, it’s Kalashnikovs (rifles), which are usually slung on their backs. For the women of Karo, beauty is literally “up close”. Part of the “beautification ritual” performed by girls in childhood is the cutting of scars on the stomach by the elders in hopes of attracting a husband. After the final scar was cut, she was allowed to marry and have children.
Xhosa tribe
The Xhosa tribe is one of the most populous ethnic groups in South Africa. About 18% of South Africans speak Xhosa. This makes Xhosa the second most spoken language in South Africa after the Zulu. Speech is characterized by a series of tongue clicking sounds. The Xhosa have various traditional rites that remain prevalent today, including rites of lore. The first of these occurs after birth, when the umbilical cord is buried or burned to protect the baby from sorcery.
Pareja Arbore – Couple Arbore
Himba people
The Himba people are a small indigenous group of around 20,000 to 50,000 people in northern Namibia who want nothing to do with modern civilization. They wear small garments, usually made of animal skin. Modern clothing is rarely seen, but when available it goes to the men. Himba women are known for covering themselves with otjize, a mixture of butterfat and ocher. This may be done with the intention of protecting themselves from the sun. The red coloring and the hue it imparts to the body show a Himba woman’s idea of beauty.
Himba women hairstyles and body jewelry
Himba children
Other images of Africans
A mix of ancient and modern civilization
See also: Interesting facts about the Oromo ethnic group in Ethiopia
These images of Africans are mainly crops from Angola, Ethiopia, Namibia and South Africa.
Credits: Antonio Alomar, Dror Yalon