The Namibian women who dress like Victorians

By Emily Wither for CNN

Updated 0820 GMT (1620 HKT) October 22, 2012

Photographer <a href="http://www.ericlafforgue.com/" target="_blank">Eric Lafforgue </a>says that the Herero women can be shy about getting their photographs taken and some will refuse.
Photos: Africa's Victorian ladies
Africa's Victorian ladies – Photographer Eric Lafforgue says that the Herero women can be shy about getting their photographs taken and some will refuse.
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The traditional hat that the Herero wear represents the horns of cattle, an animal of significant importance to them.
Photos: Africa's Victorian ladies
Africa's Victorian ladies – The traditional hat that the Herero wear represents the horns of cattle, an animal of significant importance to them.
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The long Victorian-period dresses are worn with numerous petticoats to add fullness to their skirts.
Photos: Africa's Victorian ladies
Namibia Victorian fashion – The long Victorian-period dresses are worn with numerous petticoats to add fullness to their skirts.
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The Herero used to belong to the same group as the Himba (pictured) but German missionaries influenced their style of clothing. The Herero worked for the Germans and were forced to cover up to fit in with their modest Victorian attitudes.
Photos: Africa's Victorian ladies
Africa's Victorian ladies – The Herero used to belong to the same group as the Himba (pictured) but German missionaries influenced their style of clothing. The Herero worked for the Germans and were forced to cover up to fit in with their modest Victorian attitudes.
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The Herero festival on Maherero Day falls on the last weekend in August. Each year the various units of parliamentary groups parade through the streets in full traditional dress in celebration of their history.
Photos: Africa's Victorian ladies
Africa's Victorian ladies – The Herero festival on Maherero Day falls on the last weekend in August. Each year the various units of parliamentary groups parade through the streets in full traditional dress in celebration of their history.
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Many Herero women make their own clothing but there is usually a dress-maker within each community.
Photos: Africa's Victorian ladies
Africa's Victorian ladies – Many Herero women make their own clothing but there is usually a dress-maker within each community.
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The style of dress continues to be passed down through generations because of its cultural importance.
Photos: Africa's Victorian ladies
Africa's Victorian ladies – The style of dress continues to be passed down through generations because of its cultural importance.
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It is traditional that matching fabrics are used for the hat and dress.
Photos: Africa's Victorian ladies
Africa's Victorian ladies – It is traditional that matching fabrics are used for the hat and dress.
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Herero can be found living in the north of Namibia, in the Kunene region and the Damaraland area.
Photos: Africa's Victorian ladies
Africa's Victorian ladies – Herero can be found living in the north of Namibia, in the Kunene region and the Damaraland area.
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There are some Herero living in Botswana and Angola.
Photos: Africa's Victorian ladies
Africa's Victorian ladies – There are some Herero living in Botswana and Angola.
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The women have also made dolls wearing exact replicas of the dresses to sell to tourists.
Photos: Africa's Victorian ladies
Namibia victorian fashion – The women have also made dolls wearing exact replicas of the dresses to sell to tourists.
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