Why do Africans put red clay in their hair?
For generations the semi-nomadic Himba tribe have made the Otjize paste, a red substance, to cover their braided hair and skin with. Due to the scarcity of water, the indigenous tribe developed the special substance to cleanse their skin, protect them from the sun and to look good.
What do Himba put in their hair?
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. Otjize sometimes contains aromatic resin from a local shrub to provide an appealing fragrance.
What is the meaning of otjize?
Otjize is a mixture of butterfat and ochre pigment used by the Himba people of Namibia to protect themselves from the harsh desert climate. The paste is often perfumed with the aromatic resin of Commiphora multijuga (omuzumba). The mixture lends the skin a deep orange or reddish tinge.
Where is Himba?
Namibia
The Himba inhabit the Kunene Region (also known as Kaokoland) in north-western Namibia, a remote corner of the country that few tourists visit. This region is relatively unexplored and will appeal to the more adventurous traveler.
What African tribe has long hair?
The Mbalantu women reside near the southern tips of Angola and northern border of Namibia are known to still keep their tradition of growing very long naturally coarse hair that famously goes down to their thighs. How is that ever possible?
What do Himba rub their skin with?
otjize
Himba women rub their bodies with otjize which is a mix of ochre and butter fat, this give protection to their skin from the harsh climate. The rich red of the earth and blood symbolizes life.
Why are the Himba red?
They are well known for their women applying a paste of butter, fat, and red ochre known as otjize to their skin and hair. Red ochre is an earth-derived pigment obtaining its color from dehydrated hematite, or ferric oxide, which confers the Himba women a unique red hue on their skin.
How do you use otjize in a sentence?
The Himba use otjize in their hair as well, which is long and plaited into intricate designs. Otjize is also used for hygienic purposes due to water scarcity. Over time, otjize flakes off, removing dirt and dead skin. Wood ash is used to wash the hair.
What age do Himba girls get married?
The OvaHimba are polygamous, with the average Himba man being husband to two wives at the same time. They also practice early arranged marriages. Young Himba girls are married to male partners chosen by their fathers. This happens from the onset of puberty, which may mean that girls aged 10 or below are married off.
What is the largest African tribe?
With an estimated 35 million people in total, Yoruba is undeniably the largest ethnic group in Africa. Members occupy the South Western sides of Nigeria, as well as Southern Benin, but the majority comes from Nigeria. They have a rich history and cultural heritage tracing back to the old Oyo Empire.