The research is based on the voices of the Himba themselves, who offer a multifaceted and sometimes contradictory perspective. Many interviewees acknowledge that their culture has changed. A crucial aspect of the study is the emergence of two conflicting feelings: on one hand, there are those who express deep regret for the loss of traditions, fearing that their identity will dissolve. On the other hand, there are those who accept these changes as inevitable and, in some cases, even necessary for survival in an evolving world.
In this context, the author's commentary is that the Himba people's resilience should not be sought in the rigid preservation of an immutable past, but in their ability to adapt. The idea that there are no "true Himba" is not a condemnation, but rather a realization that their culture is a living, dynamic entity. The article suggests that their ability to negotiate with new realities, integrating modern elements without completely losing their essence, is the only true strategy to ensure the sustainability of their culture in the future.
Ultimately, Inman's study invites us to move beyond the static concept of "cultural purity" and to understand that indigenous cultures are not museum artifacts, but communities in constant evolution, whose strength lies precisely in their ability to adapt and renew themselves.
https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/16/4/1582
*Board Member, SRSN (Roman Society of Natural Science)