But no firm answers were given on the issue of reparations - nor when the Herero and Nama can expect the rest of their ancestors' heads to be returned.

BBC: African viewpoint: Remembering German crimes in Namibia

The Herero were converted to Christianity by missionaries over a century ago, and the women still sport colourful, homemade dresses reminiscent of those worn by the people who brought them the word of Christ.

BBC: The ghostly shore of Namibia??s Skeleton Coast