The Germans moved into the area of what is now Namibia in southwest Africa in 1882, eventually occupying and displacing the Herero people and the Namaqua people, taking their land and their cattle, too. The original residents, whose ancestor had lived there for thousands of years, naturally rebelled.
The Herero Wars lasted until 1907, when the occupied peoples were defeated by General Lothar van Trotha, and forced into the desert, where the vast majority of them– ended up dying of starvation or dehydration.
Germany ruled the area until 1915, after which the surviving Herero women adopted the turn-of-the-century clothing style of the Germans, wearing the long dresses even today. It's a reminder of their former occupation, and a celebration of regaining their land. See more pictures at Death and Taxes. Link
(Image credit: Namibia Tourism)