Hakaona live in Oncocua, near the Cunene River (Angola) and the border with Namibia.
They are mainly goat shepherds, their heads of cattle being a marker of social status. They are known as the Black Himba and they often take care of the Himba’s herds as a sign of social submission. Hakaona men are reputable traditional doctors, and women are valued as excellent artisans, both considered activities of less social importance than herding. The women wear a striking headdress made of manure, fat and herbs, and some lower teeth are removed; processes, which together with motherhood, make them be considered complete women.
Photo © Jordi Zaragozà Anglès