Hakaona or Muhakaona (Mucawama) are indigenous or aboriginal nomadic agriculturalist people living in Cunene (Kunene) province of remote South Angola particularly in the villages of Soba near Oncocua, Elola and Moimba.
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 Gallery: © Jordi Zaragozà Anglès / Angola 2018
Extended info about Hakaona People