Traditional Himba woman - Namibia - a photo on Flickriver

The Himba women of northern Namibia are famous for their use of otjize, a paste of butter, fat and red ochre, which they apply to their hair and skin, giving them a distinctive red hue.

There has been much speculation about the origins of this practice, with some claiming it is to protect their skin from the sun, or repel insects. But the Himba say it is an aesthetic consideration, a sort of traditional make-up they apply every morning when they wake. Men do not apply otjize.

Clothes, hairstyle and jewelry are all of particular significance to the Himba.

The traditional Himba women has become an iconic image of Namibia.

The Himba are a tribe of nomadic pastoralists who inhabit the Kaokoland area of Namibia.

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Taken in: Namibia / Kunene / Opuwo (show map)

Taken on: July 20, 2009

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