A traditional Himba perfume ritual.
Photograph by Jan Milligan
Does Namibia deserve more recognition as a sustainable cultural tourism destination?
Kathrin: Yes, definitely. It has a diverse population with strong cultural roots. Namibia’s peoples differ substantially in their traditions and languages, making each Living Museum unique.
Beyond income, what other benefits do the Living Museums bring?
John: They help us keep our traditions alive and enable us to send our children to school. We want to encourage our children to be flexible, so they can live alongside other societies, balancing traditional and modern ways of life.
Kathrin: Earning a living through their work improves the performers’ self-esteem. For me, this is very rewarding to see.