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Due to worsening effects of climate change and a pastoral-nomadic lifestyle threatened, the Himba people of Namibia resorted to the art marketed as occupation.
In the midst of urban turmoil, Wahikitha Muheke (33) trades on an outdoor stand in the central business district of Windhoek.
Muheke, originally from the Kunene region in the northwest of the country, moved to Windhoek a few years ago to do business. Muheke, along with other artists, sells handicrafts to locals and tourists.
The drought and the advent of modernization pushed nomads like her to move from breeding to art to provide for themselves
. "Growing up in a village, livestock and art are part of my culture and in the face of socio-economic challenges, I decided to come to town, market my skills and sell art products made to the hand, "she explains. Business Prospects "My prices for these products range from $ 10 to $ 500 Namibian and, in the good day, I am going to 750 Namibian dollars," she said.
Muheke invests the money she earns in her business to build it.
"This involves sourcing raw materials and tools to make new products, including cultural objects, strings and glue. But above all, the precision, the time invested and the attention to detail are what makes the products and this business, "she added, complemented by the kindness towards the customers, an attribute that she defends because she is at the heart of the human essence. interaction
She's not alone.
Maria Mbinge (36), a mother of four, said that the migration to Windhoek was not confined to the art economy
. , with her exposed and hydrated chest of a reddish lotion made of cream and red ocher, Mbinge targets tourists and locals at her booth with a dress code that is a rare sight in a modern city.
I also have the chance to preserve my culture, to use it as a platform for cultural exchange and interaction, "she noted.
Coupled with his dress code, a unique experience, says Mbinge, is essential to the sustainability of his venture
Minister of Environment Pohamba Sh ifeta said that diversified and integrated tourism was becoming common among travelers It is therefore important for the tourism sector to meet the demands of tourists and visitors who are also looking for new opportunities.
The wearing of traditional clothing is also a marketing tool.
"The traditional outfit also attracts customers, so I draw them in. They are curious, and so I maximize on my tradition before modernization deprives me of it. customer experience, I offer them more than just handmade crafts, "she adds.
Even though the trade is forward-looking, traders face some challenges, including the fact that they do not have a hand in hand. commercial space in Windhoek Muheke moaned
The art dealer Mbinge, who sells handmade handicrafts for over five years, has been advertising. the authorities consider giving them more diversified options from which they can operate.
According to Mbinge, parts of Windhoek's central business district receive a massive influx of people.
"It would be nice if we could be moved to places with a high concentration of urists who are our main customers, such as Hosea Kutako International Airport and busy shopping centers, "she said. ] Muheke is of t
"I wish to be able to sell my products at the airport.We do not receive our targeted number of customers from where we operate now," she added.
Despite the challenges, the women said that they were working hard to create a niche for their business.
we produce quality products. We are also merging the modern and traditional exhibition modes. We must stay in business, "says Mbinge
According to Muheke, revenue from the sale of works of art is granted to the families of the village.
" My family in the village depends on the funds that I produce and to help maintain what remains of our nomadic livelihoods and meet socio-economic needs, "said Mbinge.
– Nampa-Xinhua
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