The Dimba are a livestock society that mainly inhabits the savannah on the outskirts of the town of Cahama - Angola.
They also practice hunting and subsistence agriculture. Currently, they usually cultivate the lands of the Himba and liven up their festivals with songs, being their successors in terms of social rank in the area. Their towns are characterized by being surrounded by robust palisades and having houses decorated with colorful geometric patterns.
Despite the Christianization of the area, women still preserve a fascinating hairstyle culture, wearir different and amazing styles for every occasion and stage of life. Dimba married women have two different styles of hairdo: the "afro" style -normally seen in older women or mothers with babies- and the "three crest" style, less impressive than the "afro" style.
Dimba people are cattle herders and also practice hunting and subsistence agriculture. Dimba women still build and use baskets with many interesting geometric patterns. They live under a clan-based tribal structure led by the eldest male.
The Dimba are reputable basket makers. Their esparto granaries where the seeds are stored are the largest ones in Angola. Both women and men have mastered the art of making baskets from the plants they collect. Dimba women make beautiful dolls for their young daughters to play with. These dolls are often lavishly decorated with vegetable cords and braids covered with colored glass of plastic beads.
Photo Gallery: © Jordi Zaragozà Anglès / Angola - 2018 & Emili Bayona / Angola - 2022
Extended info about Dimba People