Otjize

Hair styling in Himba tribe using Otjize

Otjize is a mixture of butter, ash and ochre, by people in the Himba tribe in Namibia, to protect themselves from the harsh desert climate. The paste (Otjize) is often mixed with the aromatic resin of the Omuzumba shrub, a little like adding perfume to a suntan lotion. The mixture gives their skins a deep reddish tinge. This symbolizes earth's rich red color and the blood that symbolizes life, and is the Himba ideal of beauty. The Himba use the same paste (Otjize) in their hair which is long and plaited into intricate designs.^[1]

References

1. ^ Tribes of Africa: The Himba

External links

• Northern Namibian handmade items - Otjize]
• Himba Hair Styling