http://www.flickr.com/photos/mytripsmypics/tags/mumuhuila/ Sat, 12 Jan 2013 07:20:53 -0800 Sat, 12 Jan 2013 07:20:53 -0800 http://www.flickr.com/ http://farm1.staticflickr.com/38/buddyicons/41622708@N00.jpg?1174311512#41622708@N00 http://www.flickr.com/photos/mytripsmypics/tags/mumuhuila/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/mytripsmypics/8372490937/ <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/mytripsmypics/">Eric Lafforgue</a> posted a photo:</p> <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mytripsmypics/8372490937/" title="Mwila Girl Oncula On The Hair, Chibia Area, Angola"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8505/8372490937_06a012f86a_m.jpg" width="170" height="240" alt="Mwila Girl Oncula On The Hair, Chibia Area, Angola" /></a></p> <p>Mwila people are an ethnic group living in southern Angola, in the area of Huila. They actually are part of the Nyaneka, a larger ethnic group. According to their oral tradition, they settled down in that area during the 17th century, because of a drought that made them abandon their lands in the country of Quilengues. In fact it seems Mwila are supposed to be a miscegenation of Jaga invaders, coming from east (and who transitorily invaded Congo) and conquered the area, with the aboriginal inhabitants of the area, the Chimbemba (or Bachimba). The conquerors formed the powerful kingdom of Huila during the 17th century, led by a Soba, which ruled the area until the first half of the 19th century. Mwila were part of this chiefdom and most of the traditions of these bantu cattle farmers date back to these times, although it is not clear for them nowadays.<br /> Mumuhuila rarely eat meat, they rather eat porridge, corn, chicken, honey and milk. They kill their cattle only on special occasions. Mwila are not allowed to mention people’s name in public.<br /> But Mumuhuila women are especially famous for their very special hairstyles. Indeed hairstyles are very important and meaningful in Mwila culture. Women coat their hair with a red paste called, oncula, which is made of crushed red stone. They also put a mix of oil, crushed tree bark, dried cow dung and herbs on their hair. Besides they decorate their hair with beads, cauri shells (real or plastic ones) and even dried food. Having their forehead shaved is considered as a sign of beauty. The plaits, which look like dreadlocks, are called nontombi and have a precise meaning. Women or girls usually have four or six nontombi, but when they only have three it means that someone died in their family. Mumuhuila Women are also famous for their mud necklaces, which are important as for each period of their life corresponds a specific type of necklace. When they are young, girls wear heavy red necklaces, made with beads covered with a mix of soil and latex. Later girls start to wear a set of yellow necklaces called, Vikeka, made of wicker covered with earth. They keep it until their wedding, which can last 4 years. Once married they start to wear a set of stacked up bead necklaces, called Vilanda. Women never take their necklace off and have to sleep with it. They also use headrests to protect their hairstyles. However, more and more men and women dress in a western way, because people use to make fun of them when they go to markets. <br /> Living conditions are tough as women sometimes walk for 50 kilometers to reach Huila market to sell goods.<br /> <br /> © Eric Lafforgue<br /> <a href="http://www.ericlafforgue.com" rel="nofollow">www.ericlafforgue.com</a></p> Sat, 12 Jan 2013 07:20:53 -0800 2010-12-03T10:34:54-08:00 nobody@flickr.com (Eric Lafforgue) tag:flickr.com,2004:/photo/8372490937 Mwila Girl Oncula On The Hair, Chibia Area, Angola <p>Mwila people are an ethnic group living in southern Angola, in the area of Huila. They actually are part of the Nyaneka, a larger ethnic group. According to their oral tradition, they settled down in that area during the 17th century, because of a drought that made them abandon their lands in the country of Quilengues. In fact it seems Mwila are supposed to be a miscegenation of Jaga invaders, coming from east (and who transitorily invaded Congo) and conquered the area, with the aboriginal inhabitants of the area, the Chimbemba (or Bachimba). The conquerors formed the powerful kingdom of Huila during the 17th century, led by a Soba, which ruled the area until the first half of the 19th century. Mwila were part of this chiefdom and most of the traditions of these bantu cattle farmers date back to these times, although it is not clear for them nowadays.<br /> Mumuhuila rarely eat meat, they rather eat porridge, corn, chicken, honey and milk. They kill their cattle only on special occasions. Mwila are not allowed to mention people’s name in public.<br /> But Mumuhuila women are especially famous for their very special hairstyles. Indeed hairstyles are very important and meaningful in Mwila culture. Women coat their hair with a red paste called, oncula, which is made of crushed red stone. They also put a mix of oil, crushed tree bark, dried cow dung and herbs on their hair. Besides they decorate their hair with beads, cauri shells (real or plastic ones) and even dried food. Having their forehead shaved is considered as a sign of beauty. The plaits, which look like dreadlocks, are called nontombi and have a precise meaning. Women or girls usually have four or six nontombi, but when they only have three it means that someone died in their family. Mumuhuila Women are also famous for their mud necklaces, which are important as for each period of their life corresponds a specific type of necklace. When they are young, girls wear heavy red necklaces, made with beads covered with a mix of soil and latex. Later girls start to wear a set of yellow necklaces called, Vikeka, made of wicker covered with earth. They keep it until their wedding, which can last 4 years. Once married they start to wear a set of stacked up bead necklaces, called Vilanda. Women never take their necklace off and have to sleep with it. They also use headrests to protect their hairstyles. However, more and more men and women dress in a western way, because people use to make fun of them when they go to markets. <br /> Living conditions are tough as women sometimes walk for 50 kilometers to reach Huila market to sell goods.<br /> <br /> © Eric Lafforgue<br /> <a href="http://www.ericlafforgue.com" rel="nofollow">www.ericlafforgue.com</a></p> Eric Lafforgue africa portrait people girl childhood vertical dreadlocks female youth person one beads kid child tribal innocence tribe humanbeing plaits oneperson huila colorphoto angola headandshoulders southernafrica mwela lookingatcamera ethnicgroup traditionalhairstyle chibia mumuhuila mwila southangola mumuhuilatribe mwilatribe nontombi oncula ango3021 http://www.flickr.com/photos/mytripsmypics/8276224177/ <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/mytripsmypics/">Eric Lafforgue</a> posted a photo:</p> <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mytripsmypics/8276224177/" title="Mwila Woman Wearing The Vilanda Necklace, Chibia Area, Angola"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8344/8276224177_5991c1ca63_m.jpg" width="170" height="240" alt="Mwila Woman Wearing The Vilanda Necklace, Chibia Area, Angola" /></a></p> <p>Mwila people are an ethnic group living in southern Angola, in the area of Huila. They actually are part of the Nyaneka, a larger ethnic group. According to their oral tradition, they settled down in that area during the 17th century, because of a drought that made them abandon their lands in the country of Quilengues. In fact it seems Mwila are supposed to be a miscegenation of Jaga invaders, coming from east (and who transitorily invaded Congo) and conquered the area, with the aboriginal inhabitants of the area, the Chimbemba (or Bachimba). The conquerors formed the powerful kingdom of Huila during the 17th century, led by a Soba, which ruled the area until the first half of the 19th century. Mwila were part of this chiefdom and most of the traditions of these bantu cattle farmers date back to these times, although it is not clear for them nowadays.<br /> Mumuhuila rarely eat meat, they rather eat porridge, corn, chicken, honey and milk. They kill their cattle only on special occasions. Mwila are not allowed to mention people’s name in public.<br /> But Mumuhuila women are especially famous for their very special hairstyles. Indeed hairstyles are very important and meaningful in Mwila culture. Women coat their hair with a red paste called, oncula, which is made of crushed red stone. They also put a mix of oil, crushed tree bark, dried cow dung and herbs on their hair. Besides they decorate their hair with beads, cauri shells (real or plastic ones) and even dried food. Having their forehead shaved is considered as a sign of beauty. The plaits, which look like dreadlocks, are called nontombi and have a precise meaning. Women or girls usually have four or six nontombi, but when they only have three it means that someone died in their family. Mumuhuila Women are also famous for their mud necklaces, which are important as for each period of their life corresponds a specific type of necklace. When they are young, girls wear heavy red necklaces, made with beads covered with a mix of soil and latex. Later girls start to wear a set of yellow necklaces called, Vikeka, made of wicker covered with earth. They keep it until their wedding, which can last 4 years. Once married they start to wear a set of stacked up bead necklaces, called Vilanda. Women never take their necklace off and have to sleep with it. They also use headrests to protect their hairstyles. However, more and more men and women dress in a western way, because people use to make fun of them when they go to markets. <br /> Living conditions are tough as women sometimes walk for 50 kilometers to reach Huila market to sell goods.<br /> © Eric Lafforgue<br /> <a href="http://www.ericlafforgue.com" rel="nofollow">www.ericlafforgue.com</a></p> Sun, 16 Dec 2012 00:22:32 -0800 2010-12-02T09:37:04-08:00 nobody@flickr.com (Eric Lafforgue) tag:flickr.com,2004:/photo/8276224177 Mwila Woman Wearing The Vilanda Necklace, Chibia Area, Angola <p>Mwila people are an ethnic group living in southern Angola, in the area of Huila. They actually are part of the Nyaneka, a larger ethnic group. According to their oral tradition, they settled down in that area during the 17th century, because of a drought that made them abandon their lands in the country of Quilengues. In fact it seems Mwila are supposed to be a miscegenation of Jaga invaders, coming from east (and who transitorily invaded Congo) and conquered the area, with the aboriginal inhabitants of the area, the Chimbemba (or Bachimba). The conquerors formed the powerful kingdom of Huila during the 17th century, led by a Soba, which ruled the area until the first half of the 19th century. Mwila were part of this chiefdom and most of the traditions of these bantu cattle farmers date back to these times, although it is not clear for them nowadays.<br /> Mumuhuila rarely eat meat, they rather eat porridge, corn, chicken, honey and milk. They kill their cattle only on special occasions. Mwila are not allowed to mention people’s name in public.<br /> But Mumuhuila women are especially famous for their very special hairstyles. Indeed hairstyles are very important and meaningful in Mwila culture. Women coat their hair with a red paste called, oncula, which is made of crushed red stone. They also put a mix of oil, crushed tree bark, dried cow dung and herbs on their hair. Besides they decorate their hair with beads, cauri shells (real or plastic ones) and even dried food. Having their forehead shaved is considered as a sign of beauty. The plaits, which look like dreadlocks, are called nontombi and have a precise meaning. Women or girls usually have four or six nontombi, but when they only have three it means that someone died in their family. Mumuhuila Women are also famous for their mud necklaces, which are important as for each period of their life corresponds a specific type of necklace. When they are young, girls wear heavy red necklaces, made with beads covered with a mix of soil and latex. Later girls start to wear a set of yellow necklaces called, Vikeka, made of wicker covered with earth. They keep it until their wedding, which can last 4 years. Once married they start to wear a set of stacked up bead necklaces, called Vilanda. Women never take their necklace off and have to sleep with it. They also use headrests to protect their hairstyles. However, more and more men and women dress in a western way, because people use to make fun of them when they go to markets. <br /> Living conditions are tough as women sometimes walk for 50 kilometers to reach Huila market to sell goods.<br /> © Eric Lafforgue<br /> <a href="http://www.ericlafforgue.com" rel="nofollow">www.ericlafforgue.com</a></p> Eric Lafforgue africa portrait people woman vertical dreadlocks female person one beads exterior tribal ornament braids tribe humanbeing plaits oneperson jewel necklaces huila colorphoto angola headandshoulders southernafrica mwela lookingatcamera ethnicgroup traditionalhairstyle vilanda chibia mumuhuila mwila southangola mumuhuilatribe mwilatribe nontombi vilandanecklace mudnecklace ango2452 http://www.flickr.com/photos/mytripsmypics/8276224541/ <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/mytripsmypics/">Eric Lafforgue</a> posted a photo:</p> <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mytripsmypics/8276224541/" title="Mwila Women With Togas, Chibia Area, Angola"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8078/8276224541_7fd5eb911c_m.jpg" width="240" height="170" alt="Mwila Women With Togas, Chibia Area, Angola" /></a></p> <p>Mwila people are an ethnic group living in southern Angola, in the area of Huila. They actually are part of the Nyaneka, a larger ethnic group. According to their oral tradition, they settled down in that area during the 17th century, because of a drought that made them abandon their lands in the country of Quilengues. In fact it seems Mwila are supposed to be a miscegenation of Jaga invaders, coming from east (and who transitorily invaded Congo) and conquered the area, with the aboriginal inhabitants of the area, the Chimbemba (or Bachimba). The conquerors formed the powerful kingdom of Huila during the 17th century, led by a Soba, which ruled the area until the first half of the 19th century. Mwila were part of this chiefdom and most of the traditions of these bantu cattle farmers date back to these times, although it is not clear for them nowadays.<br /> Mumuhuila rarely eat meat, they rather eat porridge, corn, chicken, honey and milk. They kill their cattle only on special occasions. Mwila are not allowed to mention people’s name in public.<br /> But Mumuhuila women are especially famous for their very special hairstyles. Indeed hairstyles are very important and meaningful in Mwila culture. Women coat their hair with a red paste called, oncula, which is made of crushed red stone. They also put a mix of oil, crushed tree bark, dried cow dung and herbs on their hair. Besides they decorate their hair with beads, cauri shells (real or plastic ones) and even dried food. Having their forehead shaved is considered as a sign of beauty. The plaits, which look like dreadlocks, are called nontombi and have a precise meaning. Women or girls usually have four or six nontombi, but when they only have three it means that someone died in their family. Mumuhuila Women are also famous for their mud necklaces, which are important as for each period of their life corresponds a specific type of necklace. When they are young, girls wear heavy red necklaces, made with beads covered with a mix of soil and latex. Later girls start to wear a set of yellow necklaces called, Vikeka, made of wicker covered with earth. They keep it until their wedding, which can last 4 years. Once married they start to wear a set of stacked up bead necklaces, called Vilanda. Women never take their necklace off and have to sleep with it. They also use headrests to protect their hairstyles. However, more and more men and women dress in a western way, because people use to make fun of them when they go to markets. <br /> Living conditions are tough as women sometimes walk for 50 kilometers to reach Huila market to sell goods.<br /> © Eric Lafforgue<br /> <a href="http://www.ericlafforgue.com" rel="nofollow">www.ericlafforgue.com</a></p> Sun, 16 Dec 2012 00:21:50 -0800 2010-12-02T09:31:31-08:00 nobody@flickr.com (Eric Lafforgue) tag:flickr.com,2004:/photo/8276224541 Mwila Women With Togas, Chibia Area, Angola <p>Mwila people are an ethnic group living in southern Angola, in the area of Huila. They actually are part of the Nyaneka, a larger ethnic group. According to their oral tradition, they settled down in that area during the 17th century, because of a drought that made them abandon their lands in the country of Quilengues. In fact it seems Mwila are supposed to be a miscegenation of Jaga invaders, coming from east (and who transitorily invaded Congo) and conquered the area, with the aboriginal inhabitants of the area, the Chimbemba (or Bachimba). The conquerors formed the powerful kingdom of Huila during the 17th century, led by a Soba, which ruled the area until the first half of the 19th century. Mwila were part of this chiefdom and most of the traditions of these bantu cattle farmers date back to these times, although it is not clear for them nowadays.<br /> Mumuhuila rarely eat meat, they rather eat porridge, corn, chicken, honey and milk. They kill their cattle only on special occasions. Mwila are not allowed to mention people’s name in public.<br /> But Mumuhuila women are especially famous for their very special hairstyles. Indeed hairstyles are very important and meaningful in Mwila culture. Women coat their hair with a red paste called, oncula, which is made of crushed red stone. They also put a mix of oil, crushed tree bark, dried cow dung and herbs on their hair. Besides they decorate their hair with beads, cauri shells (real or plastic ones) and even dried food. Having their forehead shaved is considered as a sign of beauty. The plaits, which look like dreadlocks, are called nontombi and have a precise meaning. Women or girls usually have four or six nontombi, but when they only have three it means that someone died in their family. Mumuhuila Women are also famous for their mud necklaces, which are important as for each period of their life corresponds a specific type of necklace. When they are young, girls wear heavy red necklaces, made with beads covered with a mix of soil and latex. Later girls start to wear a set of yellow necklaces called, Vikeka, made of wicker covered with earth. They keep it until their wedding, which can last 4 years. Once married they start to wear a set of stacked up bead necklaces, called Vilanda. Women never take their necklace off and have to sleep with it. They also use headrests to protect their hairstyles. However, more and more men and women dress in a western way, because people use to make fun of them when they go to markets. <br /> Living conditions are tough as women sometimes walk for 50 kilometers to reach Huila market to sell goods.<br /> © Eric Lafforgue<br /> <a href="http://www.ericlafforgue.com" rel="nofollow">www.ericlafforgue.com</a></p> Eric Lafforgue africa two people horizontal dreadlocks female standing person beads women exterior bluesky tribal tribe twopeople humanbeing plaits huila colorphoto angola southernafrica mwela lookingatcamera twopersons waistup ethnicgroup traditionalhairstyle chibia mumuhuila mwila southangola mumuhuilatribe mwilatribe nontombi ango01630 http://www.flickr.com/photos/mytripsmypics/8277283000/ <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/mytripsmypics/">Eric Lafforgue</a> posted a photo:</p> <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mytripsmypics/8277283000/" title="Mwila Girl With The Hair Covered With Oncula Paste, Chibia Area, Angola"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8350/8277283000_537b2cdec4_m.jpg" width="240" height="170" alt="Mwila Girl With The Hair Covered With Oncula Paste, Chibia Area, Angola" /></a></p> <p>Mwila people are an ethnic group living in southern Angola, in the area of Huila. They actually are part of the Nyaneka, a larger ethnic group. According to their oral tradition, they settled down in that area during the 17th century, because of a drought that made them abandon their lands in the country of Quilengues. In fact it seems Mwila are supposed to be a miscegenation of Jaga invaders, coming from east (and who transitorily invaded Congo) and conquered the area, with the aboriginal inhabitants of the area, the Chimbemba (or Bachimba). The conquerors formed the powerful kingdom of Huila during the 17th century, led by a Soba, which ruled the area until the first half of the 19th century. Mwila were part of this chiefdom and most of the traditions of these bantu cattle farmers date back to these times, although it is not clear for them nowadays.<br /> Mumuhuila rarely eat meat, they rather eat porridge, corn, chicken, honey and milk. They kill their cattle only on special occasions. Mwila are not allowed to mention people’s name in public.<br /> But Mumuhuila women are especially famous for their very special hairstyles. Indeed hairstyles are very important and meaningful in Mwila culture. Women coat their hair with a red paste called, oncula, which is made of crushed red stone. They also put a mix of oil, crushed tree bark, dried cow dung and herbs on their hair. Besides they decorate their hair with beads, cauri shells (real or plastic ones) and even dried food. Having their forehead shaved is considered as a sign of beauty. The plaits, which look like dreadlocks, are called nontombi and have a precise meaning. Women or girls usually have four or six nontombi, but when they only have three it means that someone died in their family. Mumuhuila Women are also famous for their mud necklaces, which are important as for each period of their life corresponds a specific type of necklace. When they are young, girls wear heavy red necklaces, made with beads covered with a mix of soil and latex. Later girls start to wear a set of yellow necklaces called, Vikeka, made of wicker covered with earth. They keep it until their wedding, which can last 4 years. Once married they start to wear a set of stacked up bead necklaces, called Vilanda. Women never take their necklace off and have to sleep with it. They also use headrests to protect their hairstyles. However, more and more men and women dress in a western way, because people use to make fun of them when they go to markets. <br /> Living conditions are tough as women sometimes walk for 50 kilometers to reach Huila market to sell goods.<br /> © Eric Lafforgue<br /> <a href="http://www.ericlafforgue.com" rel="nofollow">www.ericlafforgue.com</a></p> Sun, 16 Dec 2012 00:22:02 -0800 2010-12-03T11:16:33-08:00 nobody@flickr.com (Eric Lafforgue) tag:flickr.com,2004:/photo/8277283000 Mwila Girl With The Hair Covered With Oncula Paste, Chibia Area, Angola <p>Mwila people are an ethnic group living in southern Angola, in the area of Huila. They actually are part of the Nyaneka, a larger ethnic group. According to their oral tradition, they settled down in that area during the 17th century, because of a drought that made them abandon their lands in the country of Quilengues. In fact it seems Mwila are supposed to be a miscegenation of Jaga invaders, coming from east (and who transitorily invaded Congo) and conquered the area, with the aboriginal inhabitants of the area, the Chimbemba (or Bachimba). The conquerors formed the powerful kingdom of Huila during the 17th century, led by a Soba, which ruled the area until the first half of the 19th century. Mwila were part of this chiefdom and most of the traditions of these bantu cattle farmers date back to these times, although it is not clear for them nowadays.<br /> Mumuhuila rarely eat meat, they rather eat porridge, corn, chicken, honey and milk. They kill their cattle only on special occasions. Mwila are not allowed to mention people’s name in public.<br /> But Mumuhuila women are especially famous for their very special hairstyles. Indeed hairstyles are very important and meaningful in Mwila culture. Women coat their hair with a red paste called, oncula, which is made of crushed red stone. They also put a mix of oil, crushed tree bark, dried cow dung and herbs on their hair. Besides they decorate their hair with beads, cauri shells (real or plastic ones) and even dried food. Having their forehead shaved is considered as a sign of beauty. The plaits, which look like dreadlocks, are called nontombi and have a precise meaning. Women or girls usually have four or six nontombi, but when they only have three it means that someone died in their family. Mumuhuila Women are also famous for their mud necklaces, which are important as for each period of their life corresponds a specific type of necklace. When they are young, girls wear heavy red necklaces, made with beads covered with a mix of soil and latex. Later girls start to wear a set of yellow necklaces called, Vikeka, made of wicker covered with earth. They keep it until their wedding, which can last 4 years. Once married they start to wear a set of stacked up bead necklaces, called Vilanda. Women never take their necklace off and have to sleep with it. They also use headrests to protect their hairstyles. However, more and more men and women dress in a western way, because people use to make fun of them when they go to markets. <br /> Living conditions are tough as women sometimes walk for 50 kilometers to reach Huila market to sell goods.<br /> © Eric Lafforgue<br /> <a href="http://www.ericlafforgue.com" rel="nofollow">www.ericlafforgue.com</a></p> Eric Lafforgue africa people girl childhood horizontal dreadlocks female youth standing person one beads kid exterior child horizon bluesky tribal innocence tribe humanbeing plaits oneperson backview huila colorphoto angola southernafrica mwela waistup cauri ethnicgroup traditionalhairstyle chibia mumuhuila mwila southangola mumuhuilatribe mwilatribe nontombi caurishells ango01815 http://www.flickr.com/photos/mytripsmypics/8257062461/ <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/mytripsmypics/">Eric Lafforgue</a> posted a photo:</p> <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mytripsmypics/8257062461/" title="Mwila Woman With Vilanda Necklace, Huila Town Market, Angola"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8345/8257062461_5bc0998583_m.jpg" width="240" height="240" alt="Mwila Woman With Vilanda Necklace, Huila Town Market, Angola" /></a></p> <p>Mwila people are an ethnic group living in southern Angola, in the area of Huila. They actually are part of the Nyaneka, a larger ethnic group. According to their oral tradition, they settled down in that area during the 17th century, because of a drought that made them abandon their lands in the country of Quilengues. In fact it seems Mwila are supposed to be a miscegenation of Jaga invaders, coming from east (and who transitorily invaded Congo) and conquered the area, with the aboriginal inhabitants of the area, the Chimbemba (or Bachimba). The conquerors formed the powerful kingdom of Huila during the 17th century, led by a Soba, which ruled the area until the first half of the 19th century. Mwila were part of this chiefdom and most of the traditions of these bantu cattle farmers date back to these times, although it is not clear for them nowadays.<br /> Mumuhuila rarely eat meat, they rather eat porridge, corn, chicken, honey and milk. They kill their cattle only on special occasions. Mwila are not allowed to mention people’s name in public.<br /> But Mumuhuila women are especially famous for their very special hairstyles. Indeed hairstyles are very important and meaningful in Mwila culture. Women coat their hair with a red paste called, oncula, which is made of crushed red stone. They also put a mix of oil, crushed tree bark, dried cow dung and herbs on their hair. Besides they decorate their hair with beads, cauri shells (real or plastic ones) and even dried food. Having their forehead shaved is considered as a sign of beauty. The plaits, which look like dreadlocks, are called nontombi and have a precise meaning. Women or girls usually have four or six nontombi, but when they only have three it means that someone died in their family. Mumuhuila Women are also famous for their mud necklaces, which are important as for each period of their life corresponds a specific type of necklace. When they are young, girls wear heavy red necklaces, made with beads covered with a mix of soil and latex. Later girls start to wear a set of yellow necklaces called, Vikeka, made of wicker covered with earth. They keep it until their wedding, which can last 4 years. Once married they start to wear a set of stacked up bead necklaces, called Vilanda. Women never take their necklace off and have to sleep with it. They also use headrests to protect their hairstyles. However, more and more men and women dress in a western way, because people use to make fun of them when they go to markets. <br /> Living conditions are tough as women sometimes walk for 50 kilometers to reach Huila market to sell goods.© Eric Lafforgue<br /> <a href="http://www.ericlafforgue.com" rel="nofollow">www.ericlafforgue.com</a></p> Sun, 09 Dec 2012 08:12:49 -0800 2010-12-01T16:06:40-08:00 nobody@flickr.com (Eric Lafforgue) tag:flickr.com,2004:/photo/8257062461 Mwila Woman With Vilanda Necklace, Huila Town Market, Angola <p>Mwila people are an ethnic group living in southern Angola, in the area of Huila. They actually are part of the Nyaneka, a larger ethnic group. According to their oral tradition, they settled down in that area during the 17th century, because of a drought that made them abandon their lands in the country of Quilengues. In fact it seems Mwila are supposed to be a miscegenation of Jaga invaders, coming from east (and who transitorily invaded Congo) and conquered the area, with the aboriginal inhabitants of the area, the Chimbemba (or Bachimba). The conquerors formed the powerful kingdom of Huila during the 17th century, led by a Soba, which ruled the area until the first half of the 19th century. Mwila were part of this chiefdom and most of the traditions of these bantu cattle farmers date back to these times, although it is not clear for them nowadays.<br /> Mumuhuila rarely eat meat, they rather eat porridge, corn, chicken, honey and milk. They kill their cattle only on special occasions. Mwila are not allowed to mention people’s name in public.<br /> But Mumuhuila women are especially famous for their very special hairstyles. Indeed hairstyles are very important and meaningful in Mwila culture. Women coat their hair with a red paste called, oncula, which is made of crushed red stone. They also put a mix of oil, crushed tree bark, dried cow dung and herbs on their hair. Besides they decorate their hair with beads, cauri shells (real or plastic ones) and even dried food. Having their forehead shaved is considered as a sign of beauty. The plaits, which look like dreadlocks, are called nontombi and have a precise meaning. Women or girls usually have four or six nontombi, but when they only have three it means that someone died in their family. Mumuhuila Women are also famous for their mud necklaces, which are important as for each period of their life corresponds a specific type of necklace. When they are young, girls wear heavy red necklaces, made with beads covered with a mix of soil and latex. Later girls start to wear a set of yellow necklaces called, Vikeka, made of wicker covered with earth. They keep it until their wedding, which can last 4 years. Once married they start to wear a set of stacked up bead necklaces, called Vilanda. Women never take their necklace off and have to sleep with it. They also use headrests to protect their hairstyles. However, more and more men and women dress in a western way, because people use to make fun of them when they go to markets. <br /> Living conditions are tough as women sometimes walk for 50 kilometers to reach Huila market to sell goods.© Eric Lafforgue<br /> <a href="http://www.ericlafforgue.com" rel="nofollow">www.ericlafforgue.com</a></p> Eric Lafforgue africa portrait people woman dreadlocks female standing square person one beads exterior profile tribal ornament braids tribe humanbeing plaits oneperson jewel necklaces huila colorphoto angola headandshoulders southernafrica mwela squarepicture ethnicgroup traditionalhairstyle vilanda mumuhuila mwila southangola mumuhuilatribe mwilatribe nontombi vilandanecklace mudnecklace ango01556 http://www.flickr.com/photos/mytripsmypics/8201672943/ <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/mytripsmypics/">Eric Lafforgue</a> posted a photo:</p> <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mytripsmypics/8201672943/" title="Mwila Girl With The Traditional Vikeka Mud Necklace, Angola"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8059/8201672943_5bd6db51ac_m.jpg" width="170" height="240" alt="Mwila Girl With The Traditional Vikeka Mud Necklace, Angola" /></a></p> <p>Mwila people are an ethnic group living in southern Angola, in the area of Huila. They actually are part of the Nyaneka, a larger ethnic group. According to their oral tradition, they settled down in that area during the 17th century, because of a drought that made them abandon their lands in the country of Quilengues. In fact it seems Mwila are supposed to be a miscegenation of Jaga invaders, coming from east (and who transitorily invaded Congo) and conquered the area, with the aboriginal inhabitants of the area, the Chimbemba (or Bachimba). The conquerors formed the powerful kingdom of Huila during the 17th century, led by a Soba, which ruled the area until the first half of the 19th century. Mwila were part of this chiefdom and most of the traditions of these bantu cattle farmers date back to these times, although it is not clear for them nowadays.<br /> Mumuhuila rarely eat meat, they rather eat porridge, corn, chicken, honey and milk. They kill their cattle only on special occasions. Mwila are not allowed to mention people’s name in public.<br /> But Mumuhuila women are especially famous for their very special hairstyles. Indeed hairstyles are very important and meaningful in Mwila culture. Women coat their hair with a red paste called, oncula, which is made of crushed red stone. They also put a mix of oil, crushed tree bark, dried cow dung and herbs on their hair. Besides they decorate their hair with beads, cauri shells (real or plastic ones) and even dried food. Having their forehead shaved is considered as a sign of beauty. The plaits, which look like dreadlocks, are called nontombi and have a precise meaning. Women or girls usually have four or six nontombi, but when they only have three it means that someone died in their family. Mumuhuila Women are also famous for their mud necklaces, which are important as for each period of their life corresponds a specific type of necklace. When they are young, girls wear heavy red necklaces, made with beads covered with a mix of soil and latex. Later girls start to wear a set of yellow necklaces called, Vikeka, made of wicker covered with earth. They keep it until their wedding, which can last 4 years. Once married they start to wear a set of stacked up bead necklaces, called Vilanda. Women never take their necklace off and have to sleep with it. They also use headrests to protect their hairstyles. However, more and more men and women dress in a western way, because people use to make fun of them when they go to markets. <br /> Living conditions are tough as women sometimes walk for 50 kilometers to reach Huila market to sell goods.<br /> © Eric Lafforgue<br /> <a href="http://www.ericlafforgue.com" rel="nofollow">www.ericlafforgue.com</a></p> Tue, 20 Nov 2012 02:18:01 -0800 2010-12-03T11:18:51-08:00 nobody@flickr.com (Eric Lafforgue) tag:flickr.com,2004:/photo/8201672943 Mwila Girl With The Traditional Vikeka Mud Necklace, Angola <p>Mwila people are an ethnic group living in southern Angola, in the area of Huila. They actually are part of the Nyaneka, a larger ethnic group. According to their oral tradition, they settled down in that area during the 17th century, because of a drought that made them abandon their lands in the country of Quilengues. In fact it seems Mwila are supposed to be a miscegenation of Jaga invaders, coming from east (and who transitorily invaded Congo) and conquered the area, with the aboriginal inhabitants of the area, the Chimbemba (or Bachimba). The conquerors formed the powerful kingdom of Huila during the 17th century, led by a Soba, which ruled the area until the first half of the 19th century. Mwila were part of this chiefdom and most of the traditions of these bantu cattle farmers date back to these times, although it is not clear for them nowadays.<br /> Mumuhuila rarely eat meat, they rather eat porridge, corn, chicken, honey and milk. They kill their cattle only on special occasions. Mwila are not allowed to mention people’s name in public.<br /> But Mumuhuila women are especially famous for their very special hairstyles. Indeed hairstyles are very important and meaningful in Mwila culture. Women coat their hair with a red paste called, oncula, which is made of crushed red stone. They also put a mix of oil, crushed tree bark, dried cow dung and herbs on their hair. Besides they decorate their hair with beads, cauri shells (real or plastic ones) and even dried food. Having their forehead shaved is considered as a sign of beauty. The plaits, which look like dreadlocks, are called nontombi and have a precise meaning. Women or girls usually have four or six nontombi, but when they only have three it means that someone died in their family. Mumuhuila Women are also famous for their mud necklaces, which are important as for each period of their life corresponds a specific type of necklace. When they are young, girls wear heavy red necklaces, made with beads covered with a mix of soil and latex. Later girls start to wear a set of yellow necklaces called, Vikeka, made of wicker covered with earth. They keep it until their wedding, which can last 4 years. Once married they start to wear a set of stacked up bead necklaces, called Vilanda. Women never take their necklace off and have to sleep with it. They also use headrests to protect their hairstyles. However, more and more men and women dress in a western way, because people use to make fun of them when they go to markets. <br /> Living conditions are tough as women sometimes walk for 50 kilometers to reach Huila market to sell goods.<br /> © Eric Lafforgue<br /> <a href="http://www.ericlafforgue.com" rel="nofollow">www.ericlafforgue.com</a></p> Eric Lafforgue africa people girl childhood vertical dreadlocks female youth standing person one beads kid child tribal ornament innocence braids tribe humanbeing plaits oneperson huila colorphoto angola southernafrica mwela lookingatcamera waistup ethnicgroup traditionalhairstyle chibia mumuhuila mwila southangola mumuhuilatribe mwilatribe nontombi mudnecklace ango3350 http://www.flickr.com/photos/mytripsmypics/7738451152/ <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/mytripsmypics/">Eric Lafforgue</a> posted a photo:</p> <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mytripsmypics/7738451152/" title="Mwila Woman With Vilanda Necklace At Huila Town Market, Angola"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8290/7738451152_25da8c8613_m.jpg" width="240" height="240" alt="Mwila Woman With Vilanda Necklace At Huila Town Market, Angola" /></a></p> <p>Mwila people are an ethnic group living in southern Angola, in the area of Huila. They actually are part of the Nyaneka, a larger ethnic group. According to their oral tradition, they settled down in that area during the 17th century, because of a drought that made them abandon their lands in the country of Quilengues. In fact it seems Mwila are supposed to be a miscegenation of Jaga invaders, coming from east (and who transitorily invaded Congo) and conquered the area, with the aboriginal inhabitants of the area, the Chimbemba (or Bachimba). The conquerors formed the powerful kingdom of Huila during the 17th century, led by a Soba, which ruled the area until the first half of the 19th century. Mwila were part of this chiefdom and most of the traditions of these bantu cattle farmers date back to these times, although it is not clear for them nowadays.<br /> Mumuhuila rarely eat meat, they rather eat porridge, corn, chicken, honey and milk. They kill their cattle only on special occasions. Mwila are not allowed to mention people’s name in public.<br /> But Mumuhuila women are especially famous for their very special hairstyles. Indeed hairstyles are very important and meaningful in Mwila culture. Women coat their hair with a red paste called, oncula, which is made of crushed red stone. They also put a mix of oil, crushed tree bark, dried cow dung and herbs on their hair. Besides they decorate their hair with beads, cauri shells (real or plastic ones) and even dried food. Having their forehead shaved is considered as a sign of beauty. The plaits, which look like dreadlocks, are called nontombi and have a precise meaning. Women or girls usually have four or six nontombi, but when they only have three it means that someone died in their family. Mumuhuila Women are also famous for their mud necklaces, which are important as for each period of their life corresponds a specific type of necklace. When they are young, girls wear heavy red necklaces, made with beads covered with a mix of soil and latex. Later girls start to wear a set of yellow necklaces called, Vikeka, made of wicker covered with earth. They keep it until their wedding, which can last 4 years. Once married they start to wear a set of stacked up bead necklaces, called Vilanda. Women never take their necklace off and have to sleep with it. They also use headrests to protect their hairstyles. However, more and more men and women dress in a western way, because people use to make fun of them when they go to markets. <br /> Living conditions are tough as women sometimes walk for 50 kilometers to reach Huila market to sell goods.<br /> © Eric Lafforgue <br /> <a href="http://www.ericlafforgue.com" rel="nofollow">www.ericlafforgue.com</a></p> Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:59:09 -0700 2010-12-01T15:51:45-08:00 nobody@flickr.com (Eric Lafforgue) tag:flickr.com,2004:/photo/7738451152 Mwila Woman With Vilanda Necklace At Huila Town Market, Angola <p>Mwila people are an ethnic group living in southern Angola, in the area of Huila. They actually are part of the Nyaneka, a larger ethnic group. According to their oral tradition, they settled down in that area during the 17th century, because of a drought that made them abandon their lands in the country of Quilengues. In fact it seems Mwila are supposed to be a miscegenation of Jaga invaders, coming from east (and who transitorily invaded Congo) and conquered the area, with the aboriginal inhabitants of the area, the Chimbemba (or Bachimba). The conquerors formed the powerful kingdom of Huila during the 17th century, led by a Soba, which ruled the area until the first half of the 19th century. Mwila were part of this chiefdom and most of the traditions of these bantu cattle farmers date back to these times, although it is not clear for them nowadays.<br /> Mumuhuila rarely eat meat, they rather eat porridge, corn, chicken, honey and milk. They kill their cattle only on special occasions. Mwila are not allowed to mention people’s name in public.<br /> But Mumuhuila women are especially famous for their very special hairstyles. Indeed hairstyles are very important and meaningful in Mwila culture. Women coat their hair with a red paste called, oncula, which is made of crushed red stone. They also put a mix of oil, crushed tree bark, dried cow dung and herbs on their hair. Besides they decorate their hair with beads, cauri shells (real or plastic ones) and even dried food. Having their forehead shaved is considered as a sign of beauty. The plaits, which look like dreadlocks, are called nontombi and have a precise meaning. Women or girls usually have four or six nontombi, but when they only have three it means that someone died in their family. Mumuhuila Women are also famous for their mud necklaces, which are important as for each period of their life corresponds a specific type of necklace. When they are young, girls wear heavy red necklaces, made with beads covered with a mix of soil and latex. Later girls start to wear a set of yellow necklaces called, Vikeka, made of wicker covered with earth. They keep it until their wedding, which can last 4 years. Once married they start to wear a set of stacked up bead necklaces, called Vilanda. Women never take their necklace off and have to sleep with it. They also use headrests to protect their hairstyles. However, more and more men and women dress in a western way, because people use to make fun of them when they go to markets. <br /> Living conditions are tough as women sometimes walk for 50 kilometers to reach Huila market to sell goods.<br /> © Eric Lafforgue <br /> <a href="http://www.ericlafforgue.com" rel="nofollow">www.ericlafforgue.com</a></p> Eric Lafforgue africa portrait people blackandwhite woman face dreadlocks female square person one necklace beads exterior head tribal headshot ornament braids tribe humanbeing plaits oneperson huila angola southernafrica mwela lookingatcamera squarepicture ethnicgroup traditionalhairstyle vilanda mumuhuila mwila southangola mumuhuilatribe mwilatribe nontombi vilandanecklace mudnecklace ango01448 http://www.flickr.com/photos/mytripsmypics/7738452380/ <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/mytripsmypics/">Eric Lafforgue</a> posted a photo:</p> <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mytripsmypics/7738452380/" title="Mwila Couple, Angola"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8283/7738452380_b23b1e84f8_m.jpg" width="240" height="170" alt="Mwila Couple, Angola" /></a></p> <p>Mwila people are an ethnic group living in southern Angola, in the area of Huila. They actually are part of the Nyaneka, a larger ethnic group. According to their oral tradition, they settled down in that area during the 17th century, because of a drought that made them abandon their lands in the country of Quilengues. In fact it seems Mwila are supposed to be a miscegenation of Jaga invaders, coming from east (and who transitorily invaded Congo) and conquered the area, with the aboriginal inhabitants of the area, the Chimbemba (or Bachimba). The conquerors formed the powerful kingdom of Huila during the 17th century, led by a Soba, which ruled the area until the first half of the 19th century. Mwila were part of this chiefdom and most of the traditions of these bantu cattle farmers date back to these times, although it is not clear for them nowadays.<br /> Mumuhuila rarely eat meat, they rather eat porridge, corn, chicken, honey and milk. They kill their cattle only on special occasions. Mwila are not allowed to mention people’s name in public.<br /> But Mumuhuila women are especially famous for their very special hairstyles. Indeed hairstyles are very important and meaningful in Mwila culture. Women coat their hair with a red paste called, oncula, which is made of crushed red stone. They also put a mix of oil, crushed tree bark, dried cow dung and herbs on their hair. Besides they decorate their hair with beads, cauri shells (real or plastic ones) and even dried food. Having their forehead shaved is considered as a sign of beauty. The plaits, which look like dreadlocks, are called nontombi and have a precise meaning. Women or girls usually have four or six nontombi, but when they only have three it means that someone died in their family. Mumuhuila Women are also famous for their mud necklaces, which are important as for each period of their life corresponds a specific type of necklace. When they are young, girls wear heavy red necklaces, made with beads covered with a mix of soil and latex. Later girls start to wear a set of yellow necklaces called, Vikeka, made of wicker covered with earth. They keep it until their wedding, which can last 4 years. Once married they start to wear a set of stacked up bead necklaces, called Vilanda. Women never take their necklace off and have to sleep with it. They also use headrests to protect their hairstyles. However, more and more men and women dress in a western way, because people use to make fun of them when they go to markets. <br /> Living conditions are tough as women sometimes walk for 50 kilometers to reach Huila market to sell goods.<br /> © Eric Lafforgue <br /> <a href="http://www.ericlafforgue.com" rel="nofollow">www.ericlafforgue.com</a></p> Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:59:08 -0700 2010-12-05T11:09:33-08:00 nobody@flickr.com (Eric Lafforgue) tag:flickr.com,2004:/photo/7738452380 Mwila Couple, Angola <p>Mwila people are an ethnic group living in southern Angola, in the area of Huila. They actually are part of the Nyaneka, a larger ethnic group. According to their oral tradition, they settled down in that area during the 17th century, because of a drought that made them abandon their lands in the country of Quilengues. In fact it seems Mwila are supposed to be a miscegenation of Jaga invaders, coming from east (and who transitorily invaded Congo) and conquered the area, with the aboriginal inhabitants of the area, the Chimbemba (or Bachimba). The conquerors formed the powerful kingdom of Huila during the 17th century, led by a Soba, which ruled the area until the first half of the 19th century. Mwila were part of this chiefdom and most of the traditions of these bantu cattle farmers date back to these times, although it is not clear for them nowadays.<br /> Mumuhuila rarely eat meat, they rather eat porridge, corn, chicken, honey and milk. They kill their cattle only on special occasions. Mwila are not allowed to mention people’s name in public.<br /> But Mumuhuila women are especially famous for their very special hairstyles. Indeed hairstyles are very important and meaningful in Mwila culture. Women coat their hair with a red paste called, oncula, which is made of crushed red stone. They also put a mix of oil, crushed tree bark, dried cow dung and herbs on their hair. Besides they decorate their hair with beads, cauri shells (real or plastic ones) and even dried food. Having their forehead shaved is considered as a sign of beauty. The plaits, which look like dreadlocks, are called nontombi and have a precise meaning. Women or girls usually have four or six nontombi, but when they only have three it means that someone died in their family. Mumuhuila Women are also famous for their mud necklaces, which are important as for each period of their life corresponds a specific type of necklace. When they are young, girls wear heavy red necklaces, made with beads covered with a mix of soil and latex. Later girls start to wear a set of yellow necklaces called, Vikeka, made of wicker covered with earth. They keep it until their wedding, which can last 4 years. Once married they start to wear a set of stacked up bead necklaces, called Vilanda. Women never take their necklace off and have to sleep with it. They also use headrests to protect their hairstyles. However, more and more men and women dress in a western way, because people use to make fun of them when they go to markets. <br /> Living conditions are tough as women sometimes walk for 50 kilometers to reach Huila market to sell goods.<br /> © Eric Lafforgue <br /> <a href="http://www.ericlafforgue.com" rel="nofollow">www.ericlafforgue.com</a></p> Eric Lafforgue africa two portrait people horizontal dreadlocks person necklace beads couple sitting interior tribal ornament tribe twopeople humanbeing plaits huila colorphoto angola headandshoulders southernafrica mwela lookingatcamera twopersons ethnicgroup traditionalhairstyle אנגולה 安哥拉 vilanda ангола mumuhuila mwila أنغولا ανγκόλα 앙골라 アンゴラ แองโกลา southangola mumuhuilatribe mwilatribe nontombi vilandanecklace ango80608 http://www.flickr.com/photos/mytripsmypics/7738453268/ <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/mytripsmypics/">Eric Lafforgue</a> posted a photo:</p> <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mytripsmypics/7738453268/" title="Mwila Woman Wearing The Vilanda Necklace, Chibia Area, Angola"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8286/7738453268_981a15e67f_m.jpg" width="170" height="240" alt="Mwila Woman Wearing The Vilanda Necklace, Chibia Area, Angola" /></a></p> <p>Mwila people are an ethnic group living in southern Angola, in the area of Huila. They actually are part of the Nyaneka, a larger ethnic group. According to their oral tradition, they settled down in that area during the 17th century, because of a drought that made them abandon their lands in the country of Quilengues. In fact it seems Mwila are supposed to be a miscegenation of Jaga invaders, coming from east (and who transitorily invaded Congo) and conquered the area, with the aboriginal inhabitants of the area, the Chimbemba (or Bachimba). The conquerors formed the powerful kingdom of Huila during the 17th century, led by a Soba, which ruled the area until the first half of the 19th century. Mwila were part of this chiefdom and most of the traditions of these bantu cattle farmers date back to these times, although it is not clear for them nowadays.<br /> Mumuhuila rarely eat meat, they rather eat porridge, corn, chicken, honey and milk. They kill their cattle only on special occasions. Mwila are not allowed to mention people’s name in public.<br /> But Mumuhuila women are especially famous for their very special hairstyles. Indeed hairstyles are very important and meaningful in Mwila culture. Women coat their hair with a red paste called, oncula, which is made of crushed red stone. They also put a mix of oil, crushed tree bark, dried cow dung and herbs on their hair. Besides they decorate their hair with beads, cauri shells (real or plastic ones) and even dried food. Having their forehead shaved is considered as a sign of beauty. The plaits, which look like dreadlocks, are called nontombi and have a precise meaning. Women or girls usually have four or six nontombi, but when they only have three it means that someone died in their family. Mumuhuila Women are also famous for their mud necklaces, which are important as for each period of their life corresponds a specific type of necklace. When they are young, girls wear heavy red necklaces, made with beads covered with a mix of soil and latex. Later girls start to wear a set of yellow necklaces called, Vikeka, made of wicker covered with earth. They keep it until their wedding, which can last 4 years. Once married they start to wear a set of stacked up bead necklaces, called Vilanda. Women never take their necklace off and have to sleep with it. They also use headrests to protect their hairstyles. However, more and more men and women dress in a western way, because people use to make fun of them when they go to markets. <br /> Living conditions are tough as women sometimes walk for 50 kilometers to reach Huila market to sell goods.<br /> © Eric Lafforgue <br /> <a href="http://www.ericlafforgue.com" rel="nofollow">www.ericlafforgue.com</a></p> Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:59:00 -0700 2010-12-02T17:20:31-08:00 nobody@flickr.com (Eric Lafforgue) tag:flickr.com,2004:/photo/7738453268 Mwila Woman Wearing The Vilanda Necklace, Chibia Area, Angola <p>Mwila people are an ethnic group living in southern Angola, in the area of Huila. They actually are part of the Nyaneka, a larger ethnic group. According to their oral tradition, they settled down in that area during the 17th century, because of a drought that made them abandon their lands in the country of Quilengues. In fact it seems Mwila are supposed to be a miscegenation of Jaga invaders, coming from east (and who transitorily invaded Congo) and conquered the area, with the aboriginal inhabitants of the area, the Chimbemba (or Bachimba). The conquerors formed the powerful kingdom of Huila during the 17th century, led by a Soba, which ruled the area until the first half of the 19th century. Mwila were part of this chiefdom and most of the traditions of these bantu cattle farmers date back to these times, although it is not clear for them nowadays.<br /> Mumuhuila rarely eat meat, they rather eat porridge, corn, chicken, honey and milk. They kill their cattle only on special occasions. Mwila are not allowed to mention people’s name in public.<br /> But Mumuhuila women are especially famous for their very special hairstyles. Indeed hairstyles are very important and meaningful in Mwila culture. Women coat their hair with a red paste called, oncula, which is made of crushed red stone. They also put a mix of oil, crushed tree bark, dried cow dung and herbs on their hair. Besides they decorate their hair with beads, cauri shells (real or plastic ones) and even dried food. Having their forehead shaved is considered as a sign of beauty. The plaits, which look like dreadlocks, are called nontombi and have a precise meaning. Women or girls usually have four or six nontombi, but when they only have three it means that someone died in their family. Mumuhuila Women are also famous for their mud necklaces, which are important as for each period of their life corresponds a specific type of necklace. When they are young, girls wear heavy red necklaces, made with beads covered with a mix of soil and latex. Later girls start to wear a set of yellow necklaces called, Vikeka, made of wicker covered with earth. They keep it until their wedding, which can last 4 years. Once married they start to wear a set of stacked up bead necklaces, called Vilanda. Women never take their necklace off and have to sleep with it. They also use headrests to protect their hairstyles. However, more and more men and women dress in a western way, because people use to make fun of them when they go to markets. <br /> Living conditions are tough as women sometimes walk for 50 kilometers to reach Huila market to sell goods.<br /> © Eric Lafforgue <br /> <a href="http://www.ericlafforgue.com" rel="nofollow">www.ericlafforgue.com</a></p> Eric Lafforgue vertical africa angola southernafrica humanbeing person people blackandwhite mumuhuilatribe mumuhuila mwilatribe mwila chibia ethnicgroup tribal tribe female woman vilanda necklaces vilandanecklace plaits dreadlocks nontombi one oneperson mwela huila southangola head face beads lookingatcamera traditionalhairstyle braids jewel ornament headshot mudnecklace أنغولا 安哥拉 ανγκόλα ангола אנגולה 앙골라 アンゴラ แองโกลา http://www.flickr.com/photos/mytripsmypics/7738451738/ <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/mytripsmypics/">Eric Lafforgue</a> posted a photo:</p> <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mytripsmypics/7738451738/" title="Mwila Woman Carrying Her Baby, Chibia Area, Angola"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8425/7738451738_92babbbcc7_m.jpg" width="240" height="170" alt="Mwila Woman Carrying Her Baby, Chibia Area, Angola" /></a></p> <p>Mwila people are an ethnic group living in southern Angola, in the area of Huila. They actually are part of the Nyaneka, a larger ethnic group. According to their oral tradition, they settled down in that area during the 17th century, because of a drought that made them abandon their lands in the country of Quilengues. In fact it seems Mwila are supposed to be a miscegenation of Jaga invaders, coming from east (and who transitorily invaded Congo) and conquered the area, with the aboriginal inhabitants of the area, the Chimbemba (or Bachimba). The conquerors formed the powerful kingdom of Huila during the 17th century, led by a Soba, which ruled the area until the first half of the 19th century. Mwila were part of this chiefdom and most of the traditions of these bantu cattle farmers date back to these times, although it is not clear for them nowadays.<br /> Mumuhuila rarely eat meat, they rather eat porridge, corn, chicken, honey and milk. They kill their cattle only on special occasions. Mwila are not allowed to mention people’s name in public.<br /> But Mumuhuila women are especially famous for their very special hairstyles. Indeed hairstyles are very important and meaningful in Mwila culture. Women coat their hair with a red paste called, oncula, which is made of crushed red stone. They also put a mix of oil, crushed tree bark, dried cow dung and herbs on their hair. Besides they decorate their hair with beads, cauri shells (real or plastic ones) and even dried food. Having their forehead shaved is considered as a sign of beauty. The plaits, which look like dreadlocks, are called nontombi and have a precise meaning. Women or girls usually have four or six nontombi, but when they only have three it means that someone died in their family. Mumuhuila Women are also famous for their mud necklaces, which are important as for each period of their life corresponds a specific type of necklace. When they are young, girls wear heavy red necklaces, made with beads covered with a mix of soil and latex. Later girls start to wear a set of yellow necklaces called, Vikeka, made of wicker covered with earth. They keep it until their wedding, which can last 4 years. Once married they start to wear a set of stacked up bead necklaces, called Vilanda. Women never take their necklace off and have to sleep with it. They also use headrests to protect their hairstyles. However, more and more men and women dress in a western way, because people use to make fun of them when they go to markets. <br /> Living conditions are tough as women sometimes walk for 50 kilometers to reach Huila market to sell goods.<br /> © Eric Lafforgue <br /> <a href="http://www.ericlafforgue.com" rel="nofollow">www.ericlafforgue.com</a></p> Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:59:00 -0700 2010-12-02T11:04:43-08:00 nobody@flickr.com (Eric Lafforgue) tag:flickr.com,2004:/photo/7738451738 Mwila Woman Carrying Her Baby, Chibia Area, Angola <p>Mwila people are an ethnic group living in southern Angola, in the area of Huila. They actually are part of the Nyaneka, a larger ethnic group. According to their oral tradition, they settled down in that area during the 17th century, because of a drought that made them abandon their lands in the country of Quilengues. In fact it seems Mwila are supposed to be a miscegenation of Jaga invaders, coming from east (and who transitorily invaded Congo) and conquered the area, with the aboriginal inhabitants of the area, the Chimbemba (or Bachimba). The conquerors formed the powerful kingdom of Huila during the 17th century, led by a Soba, which ruled the area until the first half of the 19th century. Mwila were part of this chiefdom and most of the traditions of these bantu cattle farmers date back to these times, although it is not clear for them nowadays.<br /> Mumuhuila rarely eat meat, they rather eat porridge, corn, chicken, honey and milk. They kill their cattle only on special occasions. Mwila are not allowed to mention people’s name in public.<br /> But Mumuhuila women are especially famous for their very special hairstyles. Indeed hairstyles are very important and meaningful in Mwila culture. Women coat their hair with a red paste called, oncula, which is made of crushed red stone. They also put a mix of oil, crushed tree bark, dried cow dung and herbs on their hair. Besides they decorate their hair with beads, cauri shells (real or plastic ones) and even dried food. Having their forehead shaved is considered as a sign of beauty. The plaits, which look like dreadlocks, are called nontombi and have a precise meaning. Women or girls usually have four or six nontombi, but when they only have three it means that someone died in their family. Mumuhuila Women are also famous for their mud necklaces, which are important as for each period of their life corresponds a specific type of necklace. When they are young, girls wear heavy red necklaces, made with beads covered with a mix of soil and latex. Later girls start to wear a set of yellow necklaces called, Vikeka, made of wicker covered with earth. They keep it until their wedding, which can last 4 years. Once married they start to wear a set of stacked up bead necklaces, called Vilanda. Women never take their necklace off and have to sleep with it. They also use headrests to protect their hairstyles. However, more and more men and women dress in a western way, because people use to make fun of them when they go to markets. <br /> Living conditions are tough as women sometimes walk for 50 kilometers to reach Huila market to sell goods.<br /> © Eric Lafforgue <br /> <a href="http://www.ericlafforgue.com" rel="nofollow">www.ericlafforgue.com</a></p> Eric Lafforgue africa people woman baby childhood horizontal dreadlocks female youth standing person one beads kid exterior child horizon fulllength bluesky tribal maternity innocence effort tribe motherhood humanbeing motherandchild plaits oneperson carrying huila colorphoto angola southernafrica mwela ethnicgroup traditionalhairstyle אנגולה 安哥拉 ангола chibia mumuhuila mwila أنغولا ανγκόλα 앙골라 アンゴラ แองโกลา southangola mumuhuilatribe mwilatribe nontombi ango01652 http://www.flickr.com/photos/mytripsmypics/7738452104/ <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/mytripsmypics/">Eric Lafforgue</a> posted a photo:</p> <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mytripsmypics/7738452104/" title="A Vilanda, Traditional Mwila Necklace, Chibia Area, Angola"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7247/7738452104_bc1a06a7e4_m.jpg" width="240" height="170" alt="A Vilanda, Traditional Mwila Necklace, Chibia Area, Angola" /></a></p> <p>Mwila people are an ethnic group living in southern Angola, in the area of Huila. They actually are part of the Nyaneka, a larger ethnic group. According to their oral tradition, they settled down in that area during the 17th century, because of a drought that made them abandon their lands in the country of Quilengues. In fact it seems Mwila are supposed to be a miscegenation of Jaga invaders, coming from east (and who transitorily invaded Congo) and conquered the area, with the aboriginal inhabitants of the area, the Chimbemba (or Bachimba). The conquerors formed the powerful kingdom of Huila during the 17th century, led by a Soba, which ruled the area until the first half of the 19th century. Mwila were part of this chiefdom and most of the traditions of these bantu cattle farmers date back to these times, although it is not clear for them nowadays.<br /> Mumuhuila rarely eat meat, they rather eat porridge, corn, chicken, honey and milk. They kill their cattle only on special occasions. Mwila are not allowed to mention people’s name in public.<br /> But Mumuhuila women are especially famous for their very special hairstyles. Indeed hairstyles are very important and meaningful in Mwila culture. Women coat their hair with a red paste called, oncula, which is made of crushed red stone. They also put a mix of oil, crushed tree bark, dried cow dung and herbs on their hair. Besides they decorate their hair with beads, cauri shells (real or plastic ones) and even dried food. Having their forehead shaved is considered as a sign of beauty. The plaits, which look like dreadlocks, are called nontombi and have a precise meaning. Women or girls usually have four or six nontombi, but when they only have three it means that someone died in their family. Mumuhuila Women are also famous for their mud necklaces, which are important as for each period of their life corresponds a specific type of necklace. When they are young, girls wear heavy red necklaces, made with beads covered with a mix of soil and latex. Later girls start to wear a set of yellow necklaces called, Vikeka, made of wicker covered with earth. They keep it until their wedding, which can last 4 years. Once married they start to wear a set of stacked up bead necklaces, called Vilanda. Women never take their necklace off and have to sleep with it. They also use headrests to protect their hairstyles. However, more and more men and women dress in a western way, because people use to make fun of them when they go to markets. <br /> Living conditions are tough as women sometimes walk for 50 kilometers to reach Huila market to sell goods.<br /> © Eric Lafforgue <br /> <a href="http://www.ericlafforgue.com" rel="nofollow">www.ericlafforgue.com</a></p> Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:59:00 -0700 2010-12-02T09:38:36-08:00 nobody@flickr.com (Eric Lafforgue) tag:flickr.com,2004:/photo/7738452104 A Vilanda, Traditional Mwila Necklace, Chibia Area, Angola <p>Mwila people are an ethnic group living in southern Angola, in the area of Huila. They actually are part of the Nyaneka, a larger ethnic group. According to their oral tradition, they settled down in that area during the 17th century, because of a drought that made them abandon their lands in the country of Quilengues. In fact it seems Mwila are supposed to be a miscegenation of Jaga invaders, coming from east (and who transitorily invaded Congo) and conquered the area, with the aboriginal inhabitants of the area, the Chimbemba (or Bachimba). The conquerors formed the powerful kingdom of Huila during the 17th century, led by a Soba, which ruled the area until the first half of the 19th century. Mwila were part of this chiefdom and most of the traditions of these bantu cattle farmers date back to these times, although it is not clear for them nowadays.<br /> Mumuhuila rarely eat meat, they rather eat porridge, corn, chicken, honey and milk. They kill their cattle only on special occasions. Mwila are not allowed to mention people’s name in public.<br /> But Mumuhuila women are especially famous for their very special hairstyles. Indeed hairstyles are very important and meaningful in Mwila culture. Women coat their hair with a red paste called, oncula, which is made of crushed red stone. They also put a mix of oil, crushed tree bark, dried cow dung and herbs on their hair. Besides they decorate their hair with beads, cauri shells (real or plastic ones) and even dried food. Having their forehead shaved is considered as a sign of beauty. The plaits, which look like dreadlocks, are called nontombi and have a precise meaning. Women or girls usually have four or six nontombi, but when they only have three it means that someone died in their family. Mumuhuila Women are also famous for their mud necklaces, which are important as for each period of their life corresponds a specific type of necklace. When they are young, girls wear heavy red necklaces, made with beads covered with a mix of soil and latex. Later girls start to wear a set of yellow necklaces called, Vikeka, made of wicker covered with earth. They keep it until their wedding, which can last 4 years. Once married they start to wear a set of stacked up bead necklaces, called Vilanda. Women never take their necklace off and have to sleep with it. They also use headrests to protect their hairstyles. However, more and more men and women dress in a western way, because people use to make fun of them when they go to markets. <br /> Living conditions are tough as women sometimes walk for 50 kilometers to reach Huila market to sell goods.<br /> © Eric Lafforgue <br /> <a href="http://www.ericlafforgue.com" rel="nofollow">www.ericlafforgue.com</a></p> Eric Lafforgue africa people horizontal closeup dreadlocks person one beads exterior tribal ornament braids tribe humanbeing plaits oneperson jewel necklaces huila colorphoto angola southernafrica mwela ethnicgroup traditionalhairstyle אנגולה 安哥拉 vilanda ангола chibia mumuhuila mwila أنغولا ανγκόλα 앙골라 アンゴラ แองโกลา southangola mumuhuilatribe mwilatribe nontombi vilandanecklace mudnecklace ango70520 http://www.flickr.com/photos/mytripsmypics/7702810626/ <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/mytripsmypics/">Eric Lafforgue</a> posted a photo:</p> <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mytripsmypics/7702810626/" title="Shy Mwila Girl With Beaded Ornaments, Chibia Area, Angola"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7272/7702810626_cab4bd75dc_m.jpg" width="240" height="170" alt="Shy Mwila Girl With Beaded Ornaments, Chibia Area, Angola" /></a></p> <p>Mwila people are an ethnic group living in southern Angola, in the area of Huila. They actually are part of the Nyaneka, a larger ethnic group. According to their oral tradition, they settled down in that area during the 17th century, because of a drought that made them abandon their lands in the country of Quilengues. In fact it seems Mwila are supposed to be a miscegenation of Jaga invaders, coming from east (and who transitorily invaded Congo) and conquered the area, with the aboriginal inhabitants of the area, the Chimbemba (or Bachimba). The conquerors formed the powerful kingdom of Huila during the 17th century, led by a Soba, which ruled the area until the first half of the 19th century. Mwila were part of this chiefdom and most of the traditions of these bantu cattle farmers date back to these times, although it is not clear for them nowadays.<br /> Mumuhuila rarely eat meat, they rather eat porridge, corn, chicken, honey and milk. They kill their cattle only on special occasions. Mwila are not allowed to mention people’s name in public.<br /> But Mumuhuila women are especially famous for their very special hairstyles. Indeed hairstyles are very important and meaningful in Mwila culture. Women coat their hair with a red paste called, oncula, which is made of crushed red stone. They also put a mix of oil, crushed tree bark, dried cow dung and herbs on their hair. Besides they decorate their hair with beads, cauri shells (real or plastic ones) and even dried food. Having their forehead shaved is considered as a sign of beauty. The plaits, which look like dreadlocks, are called nontombi and have a precise meaning. Women or girls usually have four or six nontombi, but when they only have three it means that someone died in their family. Mumuhuila Women are also famous for their mud necklaces, which are important as for each period of their life corresponds a specific type of necklace. When they are young, girls wear heavy red necklaces, made with beads covered with a mix of soil and latex. Later girls start to wear a set of yellow necklaces called, Vikeka, made of wicker covered with earth. They keep it until their wedding, which can last 4 years. Once married they start to wear a set of stacked up bead necklaces, called Vilanda. Women never take their necklace off and have to sleep with it. They also use headrests to protect their hairstyles. However, more and more men and women dress in a western way, because people use to make fun of them when they go to markets. <br /> Living conditions are tough as women sometimes walk for 50 kilometers to reach Huila market to sell goods.<br /> <br /> © Eric Lafforgue <a href="http://www.ericlafforgue.com" rel="nofollow">www.ericlafforgue.com</a></p> Fri, 03 Aug 2012 00:21:22 -0700 2010-12-03T11:07:12-08:00 nobody@flickr.com (Eric Lafforgue) tag:flickr.com,2004:/photo/7702810626 Shy Mwila Girl With Beaded Ornaments, Chibia Area, Angola <p>Mwila people are an ethnic group living in southern Angola, in the area of Huila. They actually are part of the Nyaneka, a larger ethnic group. According to their oral tradition, they settled down in that area during the 17th century, because of a drought that made them abandon their lands in the country of Quilengues. In fact it seems Mwila are supposed to be a miscegenation of Jaga invaders, coming from east (and who transitorily invaded Congo) and conquered the area, with the aboriginal inhabitants of the area, the Chimbemba (or Bachimba). The conquerors formed the powerful kingdom of Huila during the 17th century, led by a Soba, which ruled the area until the first half of the 19th century. Mwila were part of this chiefdom and most of the traditions of these bantu cattle farmers date back to these times, although it is not clear for them nowadays.<br /> Mumuhuila rarely eat meat, they rather eat porridge, corn, chicken, honey and milk. They kill their cattle only on special occasions. Mwila are not allowed to mention people’s name in public.<br /> But Mumuhuila women are especially famous for their very special hairstyles. Indeed hairstyles are very important and meaningful in Mwila culture. Women coat their hair with a red paste called, oncula, which is made of crushed red stone. They also put a mix of oil, crushed tree bark, dried cow dung and herbs on their hair. Besides they decorate their hair with beads, cauri shells (real or plastic ones) and even dried food. Having their forehead shaved is considered as a sign of beauty. The plaits, which look like dreadlocks, are called nontombi and have a precise meaning. Women or girls usually have four or six nontombi, but when they only have three it means that someone died in their family. Mumuhuila Women are also famous for their mud necklaces, which are important as for each period of their life corresponds a specific type of necklace. When they are young, girls wear heavy red necklaces, made with beads covered with a mix of soil and latex. Later girls start to wear a set of yellow necklaces called, Vikeka, made of wicker covered with earth. They keep it until their wedding, which can last 4 years. Once married they start to wear a set of stacked up bead necklaces, called Vilanda. Women never take their necklace off and have to sleep with it. They also use headrests to protect their hairstyles. However, more and more men and women dress in a western way, because people use to make fun of them when they go to markets. <br /> Living conditions are tough as women sometimes walk for 50 kilometers to reach Huila market to sell goods.<br /> <br /> © Eric Lafforgue <a href="http://www.ericlafforgue.com" rel="nofollow">www.ericlafforgue.com</a></p> Eric Lafforgue africa portrait people girl childhood horizontal dreadlocks female youth person one beads kid child tribal innocence tribe humanbeing plaits oneperson huila colorphoto angola headandshoulders southernafrica mwela lookingatcamera ethnicgroup traditionalhairstyle chibia mumuhuila mwila southangola mumuhuilatribe mwilatribe nontombi ango3221 http://www.flickr.com/photos/mytripsmypics/7702805922/ <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/mytripsmypics/">Eric Lafforgue</a> posted a photo:</p> <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mytripsmypics/7702805922/" title="Mwila Woman With Vilanda Necklace, Chibia Area, Angola"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7117/7702805922_3c9c1e591a_m.jpg" width="240" height="170" alt="Mwila Woman With Vilanda Necklace, Chibia Area, Angola" /></a></p> <p>Mwila people are an ethnic group living in southern Angola, in the area of Huila. They actually are part of the Nyaneka, a larger ethnic group. According to their oral tradition, they settled down in that area during the 17th century, because of a drought that made them abandon their lands in the country of Quilengues. In fact it seems Mwila are supposed to be a miscegenation of Jaga invaders, coming from east (and who transitorily invaded Congo) and conquered the area, with the aboriginal inhabitants of the area, the Chimbemba (or Bachimba). The conquerors formed the powerful kingdom of Huila during the 17th century, led by a Soba, which ruled the area until the first half of the 19th century. Mwila were part of this chiefdom and most of the traditions of these bantu cattle farmers date back to these times, although it is not clear for them nowadays.<br /> Mumuhuila rarely eat meat, they rather eat porridge, corn, chicken, honey and milk. They kill their cattle only on special occasions. Mwila are not allowed to mention people’s name in public.<br /> But Mumuhuila women are especially famous for their very special hairstyles. Indeed hairstyles are very important and meaningful in Mwila culture. Women coat their hair with a red paste called, oncula, which is made of crushed red stone. They also put a mix of oil, crushed tree bark, dried cow dung and herbs on their hair. Besides they decorate their hair with beads, cauri shells (real or plastic ones) and even dried food. Having their forehead shaved is considered as a sign of beauty. The plaits, which look like dreadlocks, are called nontombi and have a precise meaning. Women or girls usually have four or six nontombi, but when they only have three it means that someone died in their family. Mumuhuila Women are also famous for their mud necklaces, which are important as for each period of their life corresponds a specific type of necklace. When they are young, girls wear heavy red necklaces, made with beads covered with a mix of soil and latex. Later girls start to wear a set of yellow necklaces called, Vikeka, made of wicker covered with earth. They keep it until their wedding, which can last 4 years. Once married they start to wear a set of stacked up bead necklaces, called Vilanda. Women never take their necklace off and have to sleep with it. They also use headrests to protect their hairstyles. However, more and more men and women dress in a western way, because people use to make fun of them when they go to markets. <br /> Living conditions are tough as women sometimes walk for 50 kilometers to reach Huila market to sell goods.<br /> <br /> © Eric Lafforgue <a href="http://www.ericlafforgue.com" rel="nofollow">www.ericlafforgue.com</a></p> Fri, 03 Aug 2012 00:21:03 -0700 2010-12-02T17:11:49-08:00 nobody@flickr.com (Eric Lafforgue) tag:flickr.com,2004:/photo/7702805922 Mwila Woman With Vilanda Necklace, Chibia Area, Angola <p>Mwila people are an ethnic group living in southern Angola, in the area of Huila. They actually are part of the Nyaneka, a larger ethnic group. According to their oral tradition, they settled down in that area during the 17th century, because of a drought that made them abandon their lands in the country of Quilengues. In fact it seems Mwila are supposed to be a miscegenation of Jaga invaders, coming from east (and who transitorily invaded Congo) and conquered the area, with the aboriginal inhabitants of the area, the Chimbemba (or Bachimba). The conquerors formed the powerful kingdom of Huila during the 17th century, led by a Soba, which ruled the area until the first half of the 19th century. Mwila were part of this chiefdom and most of the traditions of these bantu cattle farmers date back to these times, although it is not clear for them nowadays.<br /> Mumuhuila rarely eat meat, they rather eat porridge, corn, chicken, honey and milk. They kill their cattle only on special occasions. Mwila are not allowed to mention people’s name in public.<br /> But Mumuhuila women are especially famous for their very special hairstyles. Indeed hairstyles are very important and meaningful in Mwila culture. Women coat their hair with a red paste called, oncula, which is made of crushed red stone. They also put a mix of oil, crushed tree bark, dried cow dung and herbs on their hair. Besides they decorate their hair with beads, cauri shells (real or plastic ones) and even dried food. Having their forehead shaved is considered as a sign of beauty. The plaits, which look like dreadlocks, are called nontombi and have a precise meaning. Women or girls usually have four or six nontombi, but when they only have three it means that someone died in their family. Mumuhuila Women are also famous for their mud necklaces, which are important as for each period of their life corresponds a specific type of necklace. When they are young, girls wear heavy red necklaces, made with beads covered with a mix of soil and latex. Later girls start to wear a set of yellow necklaces called, Vikeka, made of wicker covered with earth. They keep it until their wedding, which can last 4 years. Once married they start to wear a set of stacked up bead necklaces, called Vilanda. Women never take their necklace off and have to sleep with it. They also use headrests to protect their hairstyles. However, more and more men and women dress in a western way, because people use to make fun of them when they go to markets. <br /> Living conditions are tough as women sometimes walk for 50 kilometers to reach Huila market to sell goods.<br /> <br /> © Eric Lafforgue <a href="http://www.ericlafforgue.com" rel="nofollow">www.ericlafforgue.com</a></p> Eric Lafforgue africa portrait people woman horizontal dreadlocks female standing person one beads exterior tribal ornament braids tribe humanbeing plaits oneperson jewel necklaces huila colorphoto angola headandshoulders southernafrica mwela lookingatcamera ethnicgroup traditionalhairstyle vilanda chibia mumuhuila mwila southangola mumuhuilatribe mwilatribe nontombi vilandanecklace mudnecklace ango01694 http://www.flickr.com/photos/mytripsmypics/7702812168/ <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/mytripsmypics/">Eric Lafforgue</a> posted a photo:</p> <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mytripsmypics/7702812168/" title="Mwila Woman Wearing The Vilanda Necklace, Chibia Area, Angola"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8424/7702812168_219553922e_m.jpg" width="170" height="240" alt="Mwila Woman Wearing The Vilanda Necklace, Chibia Area, Angola" /></a></p> <p>Mwila people are an ethnic group living in southern Angola, in the area of Huila. They actually are part of the Nyaneka, a larger ethnic group. According to their oral tradition, they settled down in that area during the 17th century, because of a drought that made them abandon their lands in the country of Quilengues. In fact it seems Mwila are supposed to be a miscegenation of Jaga invaders, coming from east (and who transitorily invaded Congo) and conquered the area, with the aboriginal inhabitants of the area, the Chimbemba (or Bachimba). The conquerors formed the powerful kingdom of Huila during the 17th century, led by a Soba, which ruled the area until the first half of the 19th century. Mwila were part of this chiefdom and most of the traditions of these bantu cattle farmers date back to these times, although it is not clear for them nowadays.<br /> Mumuhuila rarely eat meat, they rather eat porridge, corn, chicken, honey and milk. They kill their cattle only on special occasions. Mwila are not allowed to mention people’s name in public.<br /> But Mumuhuila women are especially famous for their very special hairstyles. Indeed hairstyles are very important and meaningful in Mwila culture. Women coat their hair with a red paste called, oncula, which is made of crushed red stone. They also put a mix of oil, crushed tree bark, dried cow dung and herbs on their hair. Besides they decorate their hair with beads, cauri shells (real or plastic ones) and even dried food. Having their forehead shaved is considered as a sign of beauty. The plaits, which look like dreadlocks, are called nontombi and have a precise meaning. Women or girls usually have four or six nontombi, but when they only have three it means that someone died in their family. Mumuhuila Women are also famous for their mud necklaces, which are important as for each period of their life corresponds a specific type of necklace. When they are young, girls wear heavy red necklaces, made with beads covered with a mix of soil and latex. Later girls start to wear a set of yellow necklaces called, Vikeka, made of wicker covered with earth. They keep it until their wedding, which can last 4 years. Once married they start to wear a set of stacked up bead necklaces, called Vilanda. Women never take their necklace off and have to sleep with it. They also use headrests to protect their hairstyles. However, more and more men and women dress in a western way, because people use to make fun of them when they go to markets. <br /> Living conditions are tough as women sometimes walk for 50 kilometers to reach Huila market to sell goods.<br /> <br /> © Eric Lafforgue <a href="http://www.ericlafforgue.com" rel="nofollow">www.ericlafforgue.com</a></p> Fri, 03 Aug 2012 00:21:08 -0700 2010-12-02T09:30:52-08:00 nobody@flickr.com (Eric Lafforgue) tag:flickr.com,2004:/photo/7702812168 Mwila Woman Wearing The Vilanda Necklace, Chibia Area, Angola <p>Mwila people are an ethnic group living in southern Angola, in the area of Huila. They actually are part of the Nyaneka, a larger ethnic group. According to their oral tradition, they settled down in that area during the 17th century, because of a drought that made them abandon their lands in the country of Quilengues. In fact it seems Mwila are supposed to be a miscegenation of Jaga invaders, coming from east (and who transitorily invaded Congo) and conquered the area, with the aboriginal inhabitants of the area, the Chimbemba (or Bachimba). The conquerors formed the powerful kingdom of Huila during the 17th century, led by a Soba, which ruled the area until the first half of the 19th century. Mwila were part of this chiefdom and most of the traditions of these bantu cattle farmers date back to these times, although it is not clear for them nowadays.<br /> Mumuhuila rarely eat meat, they rather eat porridge, corn, chicken, honey and milk. They kill their cattle only on special occasions. Mwila are not allowed to mention people’s name in public.<br /> But Mumuhuila women are especially famous for their very special hairstyles. Indeed hairstyles are very important and meaningful in Mwila culture. Women coat their hair with a red paste called, oncula, which is made of crushed red stone. They also put a mix of oil, crushed tree bark, dried cow dung and herbs on their hair. Besides they decorate their hair with beads, cauri shells (real or plastic ones) and even dried food. Having their forehead shaved is considered as a sign of beauty. The plaits, which look like dreadlocks, are called nontombi and have a precise meaning. Women or girls usually have four or six nontombi, but when they only have three it means that someone died in their family. Mumuhuila Women are also famous for their mud necklaces, which are important as for each period of their life corresponds a specific type of necklace. When they are young, girls wear heavy red necklaces, made with beads covered with a mix of soil and latex. Later girls start to wear a set of yellow necklaces called, Vikeka, made of wicker covered with earth. They keep it until their wedding, which can last 4 years. Once married they start to wear a set of stacked up bead necklaces, called Vilanda. Women never take their necklace off and have to sleep with it. They also use headrests to protect their hairstyles. However, more and more men and women dress in a western way, because people use to make fun of them when they go to markets. <br /> Living conditions are tough as women sometimes walk for 50 kilometers to reach Huila market to sell goods.<br /> <br /> © Eric Lafforgue <a href="http://www.ericlafforgue.com" rel="nofollow">www.ericlafforgue.com</a></p> Eric Lafforgue africa portrait people woman face vertical dreadlocks female person one beads exterior head tribal headshot ornament braids tribe humanbeing plaits oneperson jewel necklaces huila colorphoto angola southernafrica mwela lookingatcamera ethnicgroup traditionalhairstyle vilanda chibia mumuhuila mwila southangola mumuhuilatribe mwilatribe nontombi vilandanecklace mudnecklace ango2422 http://www.flickr.com/photos/mytripsmypics/7312990950/ <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/mytripsmypics/">Eric Lafforgue</a> posted a photo:</p> <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mytripsmypics/7312990950/" title="Mwila Woman With Traditional Hairstyle And Necklace, Chibia Area, Angola"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8015/7312990950_e194c72b6d_m.jpg" width="240" height="169" alt="Mwila Woman With Traditional Hairstyle And Necklace, Chibia Area, Angola" /></a></p> <p>Mwila people are an ethnic group living in southern Angola, in the area of Huila. They actually are part of the Nyaneka, a larger ethnic group. According to their oral tradition, they settled down in that area during the 17th century, because of a drought that made them abandon their lands in the country of Quilengues. In fact it seems Mwila are supposed to be a miscegenation of Jaga invaders, coming from east (and who transitorily invaded Congo) and conquered the area, with the aboriginal inhabitants of the area, the Chimbemba (or Bachimba). The conquerors formed the powerful kingdom of Huila during the 17th century, led by a Soba, which ruled the area until the first half of the 19th century. Mwila were part of this chiefdom and most of the traditions of these bantu cattle farmers date back to these times, although it is not clear for them nowadays.<br /> Mumuhuila rarely eat meat, they rather eat porridge, corn, chicken, honey and milk. They kill their cattle only on special occasions. Mwila are not allowed to mention people’s name in public.<br /> But Mumuhuila women are especially famous for their very special hairstyles. Indeed hairstyles are very important and meaningful in Mwila culture. Women coat their hair with a red paste called, oncula, which is made of crushed red stone. They also put a mix of oil, crushed tree bark, dried cow dung and herbs on their hair. Besides they decorate their hair with beads, cauri shells (real or plastic ones) and even dried food. Having their forehead shaved is considered as a sign of beauty. The plaits, which look like dreadlocks, are called nontombi and have a precise meaning. Women or girls usually have four or six nontombi, but when they only have three it means that someone died in their family. Mumuhuila Women are also famous for their mud necklaces, which are important as for each period of their life corresponds a specific type of necklace. When they are young, girls wear heavy red necklaces, made with beads covered with a mix of soil and latex. Later girls start to wear a set of yellow necklaces called, Vikeka, made of wicker covered with earth. They keep it until their wedding, which can last 4 years. Once married they start to wear a set of stacked up bead necklaces, called Vilanda. Women never take their necklace off and have to sleep with it. They also use headrests to protect their hairstyles. However, more and more men and women dress in a western way, because people use to make fun of them when they go to markets. <br /> Living conditions are tough as women sometimes walk for 50 kilometers to reach Huila market to sell goods.<br /> <br /> © Eric Lafforgue<br /> <a href="http://www.ericlafforgue.com" rel="nofollow">www.ericlafforgue.com</a></p> Fri, 01 Jun 2012 00:30:54 -0700 2010-12-02T17:05:47-08:00 nobody@flickr.com (Eric Lafforgue) tag:flickr.com,2004:/photo/7312990950 Mwila Woman With Traditional Hairstyle And Necklace, Chibia Area, Angola <p>Mwila people are an ethnic group living in southern Angola, in the area of Huila. They actually are part of the Nyaneka, a larger ethnic group. According to their oral tradition, they settled down in that area during the 17th century, because of a drought that made them abandon their lands in the country of Quilengues. In fact it seems Mwila are supposed to be a miscegenation of Jaga invaders, coming from east (and who transitorily invaded Congo) and conquered the area, with the aboriginal inhabitants of the area, the Chimbemba (or Bachimba). The conquerors formed the powerful kingdom of Huila during the 17th century, led by a Soba, which ruled the area until the first half of the 19th century. Mwila were part of this chiefdom and most of the traditions of these bantu cattle farmers date back to these times, although it is not clear for them nowadays.<br /> Mumuhuila rarely eat meat, they rather eat porridge, corn, chicken, honey and milk. They kill their cattle only on special occasions. Mwila are not allowed to mention people’s name in public.<br /> But Mumuhuila women are especially famous for their very special hairstyles. Indeed hairstyles are very important and meaningful in Mwila culture. Women coat their hair with a red paste called, oncula, which is made of crushed red stone. They also put a mix of oil, crushed tree bark, dried cow dung and herbs on their hair. Besides they decorate their hair with beads, cauri shells (real or plastic ones) and even dried food. Having their forehead shaved is considered as a sign of beauty. The plaits, which look like dreadlocks, are called nontombi and have a precise meaning. Women or girls usually have four or six nontombi, but when they only have three it means that someone died in their family. Mumuhuila Women are also famous for their mud necklaces, which are important as for each period of their life corresponds a specific type of necklace. When they are young, girls wear heavy red necklaces, made with beads covered with a mix of soil and latex. Later girls start to wear a set of yellow necklaces called, Vikeka, made of wicker covered with earth. They keep it until their wedding, which can last 4 years. Once married they start to wear a set of stacked up bead necklaces, called Vilanda. Women never take their necklace off and have to sleep with it. They also use headrests to protect their hairstyles. However, more and more men and women dress in a western way, because people use to make fun of them when they go to markets. <br /> Living conditions are tough as women sometimes walk for 50 kilometers to reach Huila market to sell goods.<br /> <br /> © Eric Lafforgue<br /> <a href="http://www.ericlafforgue.com" rel="nofollow">www.ericlafforgue.com</a></p> Eric Lafforgue africa portrait people woman horizontal dreadlocks female person one beads exterior tribal braids tribe humanbeing plaits oneperson huila colorphoto angola headandshoulders southernafrica mwela lookingatcamera ethnicgroup traditionalhairstyle אנגולה 安哥拉 ангола chibia mumuhuila mwila أنغولا ανγκόλα 앙골라 アンゴラ แองโกลา southangola mumuhuilatribe mwilatribe nontombi ango01679 http://www.flickr.com/photos/mytripsmypics/7312989428/ <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/mytripsmypics/">Eric Lafforgue</a> posted a photo:</p> <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mytripsmypics/7312989428/" title="Mwila Woman With Three Nontombi Dreadlocks Meaning She Suffered A Bereavement, Chibia Area, Angola"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7091/7312989428_927826ff3f_m.jpg" width="170" height="240" alt="Mwila Woman With Three Nontombi Dreadlocks Meaning She Suffered A Bereavement, Chibia Area, Angola" /></a></p> <p>Mwila people are an ethnic group living in southern Angola, in the area of Huila. They actually are part of the Nyaneka, a larger ethnic group. According to their oral tradition, they settled down in that area during the 17th century, because of a drought that made them abandon their lands in the country of Quilengues. In fact it seems Mwila are supposed to be a miscegenation of Jaga invaders, coming from east (and who transitorily invaded Congo) and conquered the area, with the aboriginal inhabitants of the area, the Chimbemba (or Bachimba). The conquerors formed the powerful kingdom of Huila during the 17th century, led by a Soba, which ruled the area until the first half of the 19th century. Mwila were part of this chiefdom and most of the traditions of these bantu cattle farmers date back to these times, although it is not clear for them nowadays.<br /> Mumuhuila rarely eat meat, they rather eat porridge, corn, chicken, honey and milk. They kill their cattle only on special occasions. Mwila are not allowed to mention people’s name in public.<br /> But Mumuhuila women are especially famous for their very special hairstyles. Indeed hairstyles are very important and meaningful in Mwila culture. Women coat their hair with a red paste called, oncula, which is made of crushed red stone. They also put a mix of oil, crushed tree bark, dried cow dung and herbs on their hair. Besides they decorate their hair with beads, cauri shells (real or plastic ones) and even dried food. Having their forehead shaved is considered as a sign of beauty. The plaits, which look like dreadlocks, are called nontombi and have a precise meaning. Women or girls usually have four or six nontombi, but when they only have three it means that someone died in their family. Mumuhuila Women are also famous for their mud necklaces, which are important as for each period of their life corresponds a specific type of necklace. When they are young, girls wear heavy red necklaces, made with beads covered with a mix of soil and latex. Later girls start to wear a set of yellow necklaces called, Vikeka, made of wicker covered with earth. They keep it until their wedding, which can last 4 years. Once married they start to wear a set of stacked up bead necklaces, called Vilanda. Women never take their necklace off and have to sleep with it. They also use headrests to protect their hairstyles. However, more and more men and women dress in a western way, because people use to make fun of them when they go to markets. <br /> Living conditions are tough as women sometimes walk for 50 kilometers to reach Huila market to sell goods.<br /> <br /> © Eric Lafforgue<br /> <a href="http://www.ericlafforgue.com" rel="nofollow">www.ericlafforgue.com</a></p> Fri, 01 Jun 2012 00:30:59 -0700 2010-12-02T17:06:09-08:00 nobody@flickr.com (Eric Lafforgue) tag:flickr.com,2004:/photo/7312989428 Mwila Woman With Three Nontombi Dreadlocks Meaning She Suffered A Bereavement, Chibia Area, Angola <p>Mwila people are an ethnic group living in southern Angola, in the area of Huila. They actually are part of the Nyaneka, a larger ethnic group. According to their oral tradition, they settled down in that area during the 17th century, because of a drought that made them abandon their lands in the country of Quilengues. In fact it seems Mwila are supposed to be a miscegenation of Jaga invaders, coming from east (and who transitorily invaded Congo) and conquered the area, with the aboriginal inhabitants of the area, the Chimbemba (or Bachimba). The conquerors formed the powerful kingdom of Huila during the 17th century, led by a Soba, which ruled the area until the first half of the 19th century. Mwila were part of this chiefdom and most of the traditions of these bantu cattle farmers date back to these times, although it is not clear for them nowadays.<br /> Mumuhuila rarely eat meat, they rather eat porridge, corn, chicken, honey and milk. They kill their cattle only on special occasions. Mwila are not allowed to mention people’s name in public.<br /> But Mumuhuila women are especially famous for their very special hairstyles. Indeed hairstyles are very important and meaningful in Mwila culture. Women coat their hair with a red paste called, oncula, which is made of crushed red stone. They also put a mix of oil, crushed tree bark, dried cow dung and herbs on their hair. Besides they decorate their hair with beads, cauri shells (real or plastic ones) and even dried food. Having their forehead shaved is considered as a sign of beauty. The plaits, which look like dreadlocks, are called nontombi and have a precise meaning. Women or girls usually have four or six nontombi, but when they only have three it means that someone died in their family. Mumuhuila Women are also famous for their mud necklaces, which are important as for each period of their life corresponds a specific type of necklace. When they are young, girls wear heavy red necklaces, made with beads covered with a mix of soil and latex. Later girls start to wear a set of yellow necklaces called, Vikeka, made of wicker covered with earth. They keep it until their wedding, which can last 4 years. Once married they start to wear a set of stacked up bead necklaces, called Vilanda. Women never take their necklace off and have to sleep with it. They also use headrests to protect their hairstyles. However, more and more men and women dress in a western way, because people use to make fun of them when they go to markets. <br /> Living conditions are tough as women sometimes walk for 50 kilometers to reach Huila market to sell goods.<br /> <br /> © Eric Lafforgue<br /> <a href="http://www.ericlafforgue.com" rel="nofollow">www.ericlafforgue.com</a></p> Eric Lafforgue africa people woman vertical dreadlocks female standing person death one beads exterior tribal tribe humanbeing plaits oneperson backview huila colorphoto angola southernafrica mwela bereavement waistup ethnicgroup traditionalhairstyle אנגולה 安哥拉 ангола chibia mumuhuila mwila أنغولا ανγκόλα 앙골라 アンゴラ แองโกลา southangola mumuhuilatribe mwilatribe nontombi ango01683 http://www.flickr.com/photos/mytripsmypics/7312943566/ <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/mytripsmypics/">Eric Lafforgue</a> posted a photo:</p> <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mytripsmypics/7312943566/" title="Mwila Woman Wearing The Vilanda Necklace, Chibia Area, Angola"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8001/7312943566_a883319717_m.jpg" width="240" height="240" alt="Mwila Woman Wearing The Vilanda Necklace, Chibia Area, Angola" /></a></p> <p>Mwila people are an ethnic group living in southern Angola, in the area of Huila. They actually are part of the Nyaneka, a larger ethnic group. According to their oral tradition, they settled down in that area during the 17th century, because of a drought that made them abandon their lands in the country of Quilengues. In fact it seems Mwila are supposed to be a miscegenation of Jaga invaders, coming from east (and who transitorily invaded Congo) and conquered the area, with the aboriginal inhabitants of the area, the Chimbemba (or Bachimba). The conquerors formed the powerful kingdom of Huila during the 17th century, led by a Soba, which ruled the area until the first half of the 19th century. Mwila were part of this chiefdom and most of the traditions of these bantu cattle farmers date back to these times, although it is not clear for them nowadays.<br /> Mumuhuila rarely eat meat, they rather eat porridge, corn, chicken, honey and milk. They kill their cattle only on special occasions. Mwila are not allowed to mention people’s name in public.<br /> But Mumuhuila women are especially famous for their very special hairstyles. Indeed hairstyles are very important and meaningful in Mwila culture. Women coat their hair with a red paste called, oncula, which is made of crushed red stone. They also put a mix of oil, crushed tree bark, dried cow dung and herbs on their hair. Besides they decorate their hair with beads, cauri shells (real or plastic ones) and even dried food. Having their forehead shaved is considered as a sign of beauty. The plaits, which look like dreadlocks, are called nontombi and have a precise meaning. Women or girls usually have four or six nontombi, but when they only have three it means that someone died in their family. Mumuhuila Women are also famous for their mud necklaces, which are important as for each period of their life corresponds a specific type of necklace. When they are young, girls wear heavy red necklaces, made with beads covered with a mix of soil and latex. Later girls start to wear a set of yellow necklaces called, Vikeka, made of wicker covered with earth. They keep it until their wedding, which can last 4 years. Once married they start to wear a set of stacked up bead necklaces, called Vilanda. Women never take their necklace off and have to sleep with it. They also use headrests to protect their hairstyles. However, more and more men and women dress in a western way, because people use to make fun of them when they go to markets. <br /> Living conditions are tough as women sometimes walk for 50 kilometers to reach Huila market to sell goods.<br /> <br /> © Eric Lafforgue<br /> <a href="http://www.ericlafforgue.com" rel="nofollow">www.ericlafforgue.com</a></p> Fri, 01 Jun 2012 00:30:53 -0700 2010-12-02T11:04:24-08:00 nobody@flickr.com (Eric Lafforgue) tag:flickr.com,2004:/photo/7312943566 Mwila Woman Wearing The Vilanda Necklace, Chibia Area, Angola <p>Mwila people are an ethnic group living in southern Angola, in the area of Huila. They actually are part of the Nyaneka, a larger ethnic group. According to their oral tradition, they settled down in that area during the 17th century, because of a drought that made them abandon their lands in the country of Quilengues. In fact it seems Mwila are supposed to be a miscegenation of Jaga invaders, coming from east (and who transitorily invaded Congo) and conquered the area, with the aboriginal inhabitants of the area, the Chimbemba (or Bachimba). The conquerors formed the powerful kingdom of Huila during the 17th century, led by a Soba, which ruled the area until the first half of the 19th century. Mwila were part of this chiefdom and most of the traditions of these bantu cattle farmers date back to these times, although it is not clear for them nowadays.<br /> Mumuhuila rarely eat meat, they rather eat porridge, corn, chicken, honey and milk. They kill their cattle only on special occasions. Mwila are not allowed to mention people’s name in public.<br /> But Mumuhuila women are especially famous for their very special hairstyles. Indeed hairstyles are very important and meaningful in Mwila culture. Women coat their hair with a red paste called, oncula, which is made of crushed red stone. They also put a mix of oil, crushed tree bark, dried cow dung and herbs on their hair. Besides they decorate their hair with beads, cauri shells (real or plastic ones) and even dried food. Having their forehead shaved is considered as a sign of beauty. The plaits, which look like dreadlocks, are called nontombi and have a precise meaning. Women or girls usually have four or six nontombi, but when they only have three it means that someone died in their family. Mumuhuila Women are also famous for their mud necklaces, which are important as for each period of their life corresponds a specific type of necklace. When they are young, girls wear heavy red necklaces, made with beads covered with a mix of soil and latex. Later girls start to wear a set of yellow necklaces called, Vikeka, made of wicker covered with earth. They keep it until their wedding, which can last 4 years. Once married they start to wear a set of stacked up bead necklaces, called Vilanda. Women never take their necklace off and have to sleep with it. They also use headrests to protect their hairstyles. However, more and more men and women dress in a western way, because people use to make fun of them when they go to markets. <br /> Living conditions are tough as women sometimes walk for 50 kilometers to reach Huila market to sell goods.<br /> <br /> © Eric Lafforgue<br /> <a href="http://www.ericlafforgue.com" rel="nofollow">www.ericlafforgue.com</a></p> Eric Lafforgue africa people woman closeup dreadlocks female square person one beads exterior tribal ornament braids tribe humanbeing plaits oneperson jewel necklaces huila colorphoto angola southernafrica mwela squarepicture cauri ethnicgroup traditionalhairstyle אנגולה 安哥拉 vilanda ангола chibia mumuhuila mwila أنغولا ανγκόλα 앙골라 アンゴラ แองโกลา southangola mumuhuilatribe mwilatribe nontombi vilandanecklace mudnecklace caurishells ango2467 http://www.flickr.com/photos/mytripsmypics/7075939281/ <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/mytripsmypics/">Eric Lafforgue</a> posted a photo:</p> <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mytripsmypics/7075939281/" title="Back of a Mwila Woman Wearing The Vilanda Necklace, Chibia Area, Angola"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7245/7075939281_f89a14dbd7_m.jpg" width="170" height="240" alt="Back of a Mwila Woman Wearing The Vilanda Necklace, Chibia Area, Angola" /></a></p> <p>Mwila people are an ethnic group living in southern Angola, in the area of Huila. They actually are part of the Nyaneka, a larger ethnic group. According to their oral tradition, they settled down in that area during the 17th century, because of a drought that made them abandon their lands in the country of Quilengues. In fact it seems Mwila are supposed to be a miscegenation of Jaga invaders, coming from east (and who transitorily invaded Congo) and conquered the area, with the aboriginal inhabitants of the area, the Chimbemba (or Bachimba). The conquerors formed the powerful kingdom of Huila during the 17th century, led by a Soba, which ruled the area until the first half of the 19th century. Mwila were part of this chiefdom and most of the traditions of these bantu cattle farmers date back to these times, although it is not clear for them nowadays.<br /> Mumuhuila rarely eat meat, they rather eat porridge, corn, chicken, honey and milk. They kill their cattle only on special occasions. Mwila are not allowed to mention people’s name in public.<br /> But Mumuhuila women are especially famous for their very special hairstyles. Indeed hairstyles are very important and meaningful in Mwila culture. Women coat their hair with a red paste called, oncula, which is made of crushed red stone. They also put a mix of oil, crushed tree bark, dried cow dung and herbs on their hair. Besides they decorate their hair with beads, cauri shells (real or plastic ones) and even dried food. Having their forehead shaved is considered as a sign of beauty. The plaits, which look like dreadlocks, are called nontombi and have a precise meaning. Women or girls usually have four or six nontombi, but when they only have three it means that someone died in their family. Mumuhuila Women are also famous for their mud necklaces, which are important as for each period of their life corresponds a specific type of necklace. When they are young, girls wear heavy red necklaces, made with beads covered with a mix of soil and latex. Later girls start to wear a set of yellow necklaces called, Vikeka, made of wicker covered with earth. They keep it until their wedding, which can last 4 years. Once married they start to wear a set of stacked up bead necklaces, called Vilanda. Women never take their necklace off and have to sleep with it. They also use headrests to protect their hairstyles. However, more and more men and women dress in a western way, because people use to make fun of them when they go to markets. <br /> Living conditions are tough as women sometimes walk for 50 kilometers to reach Huila market to sell goods.<br /> <br /> © Eric Lafforgue <br /> <a href="http://www.ericlafforgue.com" rel="nofollow">www.ericlafforgue.com</a></p> Sat, 14 Apr 2012 01:30:21 -0700 2010-12-02T17:14:32-08:00 nobody@flickr.com (Eric Lafforgue) tag:flickr.com,2004:/photo/7075939281 Back of a Mwila Woman Wearing The Vilanda Necklace, Chibia Area, Angola <p>Mwila people are an ethnic group living in southern Angola, in the area of Huila. They actually are part of the Nyaneka, a larger ethnic group. According to their oral tradition, they settled down in that area during the 17th century, because of a drought that made them abandon their lands in the country of Quilengues. In fact it seems Mwila are supposed to be a miscegenation of Jaga invaders, coming from east (and who transitorily invaded Congo) and conquered the area, with the aboriginal inhabitants of the area, the Chimbemba (or Bachimba). The conquerors formed the powerful kingdom of Huila during the 17th century, led by a Soba, which ruled the area until the first half of the 19th century. Mwila were part of this chiefdom and most of the traditions of these bantu cattle farmers date back to these times, although it is not clear for them nowadays.<br /> Mumuhuila rarely eat meat, they rather eat porridge, corn, chicken, honey and milk. They kill their cattle only on special occasions. Mwila are not allowed to mention people’s name in public.<br /> But Mumuhuila women are especially famous for their very special hairstyles. Indeed hairstyles are very important and meaningful in Mwila culture. Women coat their hair with a red paste called, oncula, which is made of crushed red stone. They also put a mix of oil, crushed tree bark, dried cow dung and herbs on their hair. Besides they decorate their hair with beads, cauri shells (real or plastic ones) and even dried food. Having their forehead shaved is considered as a sign of beauty. The plaits, which look like dreadlocks, are called nontombi and have a precise meaning. Women or girls usually have four or six nontombi, but when they only have three it means that someone died in their family. Mumuhuila Women are also famous for their mud necklaces, which are important as for each period of their life corresponds a specific type of necklace. When they are young, girls wear heavy red necklaces, made with beads covered with a mix of soil and latex. Later girls start to wear a set of yellow necklaces called, Vikeka, made of wicker covered with earth. They keep it until their wedding, which can last 4 years. Once married they start to wear a set of stacked up bead necklaces, called Vilanda. Women never take their necklace off and have to sleep with it. They also use headrests to protect their hairstyles. However, more and more men and women dress in a western way, because people use to make fun of them when they go to markets. <br /> Living conditions are tough as women sometimes walk for 50 kilometers to reach Huila market to sell goods.<br /> <br /> © Eric Lafforgue <br /> <a href="http://www.ericlafforgue.com" rel="nofollow">www.ericlafforgue.com</a></p> Eric Lafforgue africa people woman vertical dreadlocks female standing person one beads tribal ornament braids tribe humanbeing plaits oneperson jewel backview necklaces huila colorphoto angola southernafrica mwela waistup ethnicgroup traditionalhairstyle אנגולה 安哥拉 vilanda ангола chibia mumuhuila mwila أنغولا ανγκόλα 앙골라 アンゴラ แองโกลา southangola mumuhuilatribe mwilatribe nontombi vilandanecklace mudnecklace ango2597 http://www.flickr.com/photos/mytripsmypics/7075935045/ <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/mytripsmypics/">Eric Lafforgue</a> posted a photo:</p> <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mytripsmypics/7075935045/" title="Beads Of Mwila Headdress, Chibia Area, Angola"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5198/7075935045_c2d6266d06_m.jpg" width="170" height="240" alt="Beads Of Mwila Headdress, Chibia Area, Angola" /></a></p> <p>Mwila people are an ethnic group living in southern Angola, in the area of Huila. They actually are part of the Nyaneka, a larger ethnic group. According to their oral tradition, they settled down in that area during the 17th century, because of a drought that made them abandon their lands in the country of Quilengues. In fact it seems Mwila are supposed to be a miscegenation of Jaga invaders, coming from east (and who transitorily invaded Congo) and conquered the area, with the aboriginal inhabitants of the area, the Chimbemba (or Bachimba). The conquerors formed the powerful kingdom of Huila during the 17th century, led by a Soba, which ruled the area until the first half of the 19th century. Mwila were part of this chiefdom and most of the traditions of these bantu cattle farmers date back to these times, although it is not clear for them nowadays.<br /> Mumuhuila rarely eat meat, they rather eat porridge, corn, chicken, honey and milk. They kill their cattle only on special occasions. Mwila are not allowed to mention people’s name in public.<br /> But Mumuhuila women are especially famous for their very special hairstyles. Indeed hairstyles are very important and meaningful in Mwila culture. Women coat their hair with a red paste called, oncula, which is made of crushed red stone. They also put a mix of oil, crushed tree bark, dried cow dung and herbs on their hair. Besides they decorate their hair with beads, cauri shells (real or plastic ones) and even dried food. Having their forehead shaved is considered as a sign of beauty. The plaits, which look like dreadlocks, are called nontombi and have a precise meaning. Women or girls usually have four or six nontombi, but when they only have three it means that someone died in their family. Mumuhuila Women are also famous for their mud necklaces, which are important as for each period of their life corresponds a specific type of necklace. When they are young, girls wear heavy red necklaces, made with beads covered with a mix of soil and latex. Later girls start to wear a set of yellow necklaces called, Vikeka, made of wicker covered with earth. They keep it until their wedding, which can last 4 years. Once married they start to wear a set of stacked up bead necklaces, called Vilanda. Women never take their necklace off and have to sleep with it. They also use headrests to protect their hairstyles. However, more and more men and women dress in a western way, because people use to make fun of them when they go to markets. <br /> Living conditions are tough as women sometimes walk for 50 kilometers to reach Huila market to sell goods.<br /> <br /> © Eric Lafforgue <br /> <a href="http://www.ericlafforgue.com" rel="nofollow">www.ericlafforgue.com</a></p> Sat, 14 Apr 2012 01:27:33 -0700 2010-12-03T10:49:16-08:00 nobody@flickr.com (Eric Lafforgue) tag:flickr.com,2004:/photo/7075935045 Beads Of Mwila Headdress, Chibia Area, Angola <p>Mwila people are an ethnic group living in southern Angola, in the area of Huila. They actually are part of the Nyaneka, a larger ethnic group. According to their oral tradition, they settled down in that area during the 17th century, because of a drought that made them abandon their lands in the country of Quilengues. In fact it seems Mwila are supposed to be a miscegenation of Jaga invaders, coming from east (and who transitorily invaded Congo) and conquered the area, with the aboriginal inhabitants of the area, the Chimbemba (or Bachimba). The conquerors formed the powerful kingdom of Huila during the 17th century, led by a Soba, which ruled the area until the first half of the 19th century. Mwila were part of this chiefdom and most of the traditions of these bantu cattle farmers date back to these times, although it is not clear for them nowadays.<br /> Mumuhuila rarely eat meat, they rather eat porridge, corn, chicken, honey and milk. They kill their cattle only on special occasions. Mwila are not allowed to mention people’s name in public.<br /> But Mumuhuila women are especially famous for their very special hairstyles. Indeed hairstyles are very important and meaningful in Mwila culture. Women coat their hair with a red paste called, oncula, which is made of crushed red stone. They also put a mix of oil, crushed tree bark, dried cow dung and herbs on their hair. Besides they decorate their hair with beads, cauri shells (real or plastic ones) and even dried food. Having their forehead shaved is considered as a sign of beauty. The plaits, which look like dreadlocks, are called nontombi and have a precise meaning. Women or girls usually have four or six nontombi, but when they only have three it means that someone died in their family. Mumuhuila Women are also famous for their mud necklaces, which are important as for each period of their life corresponds a specific type of necklace. When they are young, girls wear heavy red necklaces, made with beads covered with a mix of soil and latex. Later girls start to wear a set of yellow necklaces called, Vikeka, made of wicker covered with earth. They keep it until their wedding, which can last 4 years. Once married they start to wear a set of stacked up bead necklaces, called Vilanda. Women never take their necklace off and have to sleep with it. They also use headrests to protect their hairstyles. However, more and more men and women dress in a western way, because people use to make fun of them when they go to markets. <br /> Living conditions are tough as women sometimes walk for 50 kilometers to reach Huila market to sell goods.<br /> <br /> © Eric Lafforgue <br /> <a href="http://www.ericlafforgue.com" rel="nofollow">www.ericlafforgue.com</a></p> Eric Lafforgue africa people vertical closeup person one beads tribal tribe humanbeing oneperson huila colorphoto angola southernafrica mwela ethnicgroup אנגולה 安哥拉 ангола chibia mumuhuila mwila أنغولا ανγκόλα 앙골라 アンゴラ แองโกลา southangola mumuhuilatribe mwilatribe ango80064 http://www.flickr.com/photos/mytripsmypics/7312967064/ <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/mytripsmypics/">Eric Lafforgue</a> posted a photo:</p> <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mytripsmypics/7312967064/" title="Mwila Girl Carrying A Crate Of Ngola Beer On Her Head, Chibia Area, Angola"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7211/7312967064_89b24e7b5b_m.jpg" width="240" height="170" alt="Mwila Girl Carrying A Crate Of Ngola Beer On Her Head, Chibia Area, Angola" /></a></p> <p>Mwila people are an ethnic group living in southern Angola, in the area of Huila. They actually are part of the Nyaneka, a larger ethnic group. According to their oral tradition, they settled down in that area during the 17th century, because of a drought that made them abandon their lands in the country of Quilengues. In fact it seems Mwila are supposed to be a miscegenation of Jaga invaders, coming from east (and who transitorily invaded Congo) and conquered the area, with the aboriginal inhabitants of the area, the Chimbemba (or Bachimba). The conquerors formed the powerful kingdom of Huila during the 17th century, led by a Soba, which ruled the area until the first half of the 19th century. Mwila were part of this chiefdom and most of the traditions of these bantu cattle farmers date back to these times, although it is not clear for them nowadays.<br /> Mumuhuila rarely eat meat, they rather eat porridge, corn, chicken, honey and milk. They kill their cattle only on special occasions. Mwila are not allowed to mention people’s name in public.<br /> But Mumuhuila women are especially famous for their very special hairstyles. Indeed hairstyles are very important and meaningful in Mwila culture. Women coat their hair with a red paste called, oncula, which is made of crushed red stone. They also put a mix of oil, crushed tree bark, dried cow dung and herbs on their hair. Besides they decorate their hair with beads, cauri shells (real or plastic ones) and even dried food. Having their forehead shaved is considered as a sign of beauty. The plaits, which look like dreadlocks, are called nontombi and have a precise meaning. Women or girls usually have four or six nontombi, but when they only have three it means that someone died in their family. Mumuhuila Women are also famous for their mud necklaces, which are important as for each period of their life corresponds a specific type of necklace. When they are young, girls wear heavy red necklaces, made with beads covered with a mix of soil and latex. Later girls start to wear a set of yellow necklaces called, Vikeka, made of wicker covered with earth. They keep it until their wedding, which can last 4 years. Once married they start to wear a set of stacked up bead necklaces, called Vilanda. Women never take their necklace off and have to sleep with it. They also use headrests to protect their hairstyles. However, more and more men and women dress in a western way, because people use to make fun of them when they go to markets. <br /> Living conditions are tough as women sometimes walk for 50 kilometers to reach Huila market to sell goods.<br /> <br /> © Eric Lafforgue<br /> <a href="http://www.ericlafforgue.com" rel="nofollow">www.ericlafforgue.com</a></p> Fri, 01 Jun 2012 00:30:58 -0700 2010-12-03T08:51:08-08:00 nobody@flickr.com (Eric Lafforgue) tag:flickr.com,2004:/photo/7312967064 Mwila Girl Carrying A Crate Of Ngola Beer On Her Head, Chibia Area, Angola <p>Mwila people are an ethnic group living in southern Angola, in the area of Huila. They actually are part of the Nyaneka, a larger ethnic group. According to their oral tradition, they settled down in that area during the 17th century, because of a drought that made them abandon their lands in the country of Quilengues. In fact it seems Mwila are supposed to be a miscegenation of Jaga invaders, coming from east (and who transitorily invaded Congo) and conquered the area, with the aboriginal inhabitants of the area, the Chimbemba (or Bachimba). The conquerors formed the powerful kingdom of Huila during the 17th century, led by a Soba, which ruled the area until the first half of the 19th century. Mwila were part of this chiefdom and most of the traditions of these bantu cattle farmers date back to these times, although it is not clear for them nowadays.<br /> Mumuhuila rarely eat meat, they rather eat porridge, corn, chicken, honey and milk. They kill their cattle only on special occasions. Mwila are not allowed to mention people’s name in public.<br /> But Mumuhuila women are especially famous for their very special hairstyles. Indeed hairstyles are very important and meaningful in Mwila culture. Women coat their hair with a red paste called, oncula, which is made of crushed red stone. They also put a mix of oil, crushed tree bark, dried cow dung and herbs on their hair. Besides they decorate their hair with beads, cauri shells (real or plastic ones) and even dried food. Having their forehead shaved is considered as a sign of beauty. The plaits, which look like dreadlocks, are called nontombi and have a precise meaning. Women or girls usually have four or six nontombi, but when they only have three it means that someone died in their family. Mumuhuila Women are also famous for their mud necklaces, which are important as for each period of their life corresponds a specific type of necklace. When they are young, girls wear heavy red necklaces, made with beads covered with a mix of soil and latex. Later girls start to wear a set of yellow necklaces called, Vikeka, made of wicker covered with earth. They keep it until their wedding, which can last 4 years. Once married they start to wear a set of stacked up bead necklaces, called Vilanda. Women never take their necklace off and have to sleep with it. They also use headrests to protect their hairstyles. However, more and more men and women dress in a western way, because people use to make fun of them when they go to markets. <br /> Living conditions are tough as women sometimes walk for 50 kilometers to reach Huila market to sell goods.<br /> <br /> © Eric Lafforgue<br /> <a href="http://www.ericlafforgue.com" rel="nofollow">www.ericlafforgue.com</a></p> Eric Lafforgue africa people beer horizontal standing person one exterior tribal effort tribe crate humanbeing oneperson carrying huila colorphoto angola southernafrica mwela waistup ngola ethnicgroup אנגולה 安哥拉 ангола chibia mumuhuila mwila أنغولا ανγκόλα 앙골라 アンゴラ แองโกลา southangola mumuhuilatribe mwilatribe ango2766