Meet the Naked Tribes of Africa

Do you know there are Naked tribes in Africa each with its unique culture and ways of life? From the Koma people in Nigeria to the Zulu in South Africa, each tribe has its own special traditions.

This article takes a closer look at how these tribes live, what they believe, and the challenges they face in a changing world.

Let’s learn about the Koma, Kambari, Zulu, Mbenga, and Himba tribes, and discover what makes each one special.

1. Koma Tribe In Nigeria

The Koma people were officially recognized as part of Nigeria in 1961, a year following the country’s independence, alongside the old provinces of Cameroun. Today, Koma is one of the seven districts in the Jada local government area of Adamawa State.

In some remote Koma villages, the birth of twins is traditionally seen as a curse, leading to the tragic practice of burying twins alive with their mothers. Although this has largely stopped among those living in flatter regions, it continues in some secluded hill areas where old beliefs persist.

Additionally, Koma medicine men participate in extended farting sessions during dance ceremonies, a tradition believed to mock the strict Muslims who historically oppressed them. This unique practice involves training and the use of healing powders to manage discomfort.

2. Kambari Tribe In Nigeria

The Kambari people in Niger State, Nigeria, are unique for maintaining traditional practices, including nudity, despite modern influences. Living in remote areas, they reside in mud huts, speak various local dialects, and rely heavily on agriculture, which is central to their economy and culture.

 Their social practices include distinctive marriage customs and a communal lifestyle, emphasizing mutual support, especially in farming.

While they value their cultural independence, the Kambari have minimal interaction with government authorities, managing their affairs without external support. This isolation helps preserve their traditions but also highlights their separation from modern developments.

3. Zulu Tribe In South Africa

In Zulu society, women often do household tasks like cleaning, raising children, collecting water and firewood, washing clothes, caring for crops, cooking, and making clothes. They can also be the main earners for their families. A woman’s life traditionally leads towards marriage. When a girl reaches puberty, she is known as a tshitshi and dresses in a way that shows she is single, usually not covering her head, breasts, legs, and shoulders.

 Engaged women wear hairnets to show they are going to be married soon, and married women wear more clothes and headdresses. Also, Zulu culture teaches women to respect and follow men, and they are usually guided by a male figure in their lives.

4. Mbenga Tribe West Congo Basin

The Mbenga people, also known as “Pygmies,” live in the western Congo Basin, mainly in the Republic of Congo and the Central African Republic. They include groups like the Aka, M-Benzélé, and Ba-Sese, who share a lifestyle of hunting and gathering in the forest for food, medicine, and other needs.

The Mbenga are known for their rich cultural traditions, including unique music and singing, and have a society where leadership changes based on the task at hand. Their songs and rituals are important for keeping their history and beliefs alive.

However, the Mbenga faces challenges such as logging, mining, and farming, which threaten their traditional lands and lifestyle. 

Although international groups and some government programs are trying to help protect their culture and land rights, they often run into problems with businesses interested in the area. Protecting the Mbenga people’s unique way of life and cultural identity is essential as they deal with these modern challenges.

5. Himba Tribe In Northern Namibia

The OvaHimba are primarily farmers in Namibia who value their wealth based on their cattle and also grow crops like maize and millet. 

Their main foods are sour milk and maize porridge, with some additions like cornmeal, eggs, herbs, and honey.

 They rarely sell their livestock for money, they earn from local conservation projects, pensions, and government support.

In their daily lives, women do most of the hard work like fetching water, plastering homes with a mix of soil and cow manure, collecting firewood, cooking, and making crafts. They also milk cows and goats and take care of children.

 Men focus on taking care of animals, building, and making decisions in community meetings. They live in family groups with huts arranged around a sacred fire and a place for important livestock, which are key to their cultural beliefs.