Angola Africa face women profile mu himba portrait
Image details
Contributor:
ERIC LAFFORGUE / Alamy Stock PhotoImage ID:
CBE2M1File size:
70.4 MB (2.4 MB Compressed download)Releases:
Model - no | Property - noDo I need a release?Dimensions:
4960 x 4960 px | 42 x 42 cm | 16.5 x 16.5 inches | 300dpiDate taken:
16 August 2010Location:
AngolaMore information:
Himbas are a bantu ethnic group. These nomadic pastoralists live mainly in Namibia but also in south Angola, crossing the borders without any visas. In Angola, most of them live in remote areas, far from the towns, and are not spoiled by modernity, whereas in Namibia the ones that settled in the north of the city of Opuwo, are in touch with the modern world. Bodypainting and hairstyle Himba women are famous for covering their body and hair with a paste made of butter, ochre (hematite powder) and ashes, called otjize, which is supposed to protect them from the sun and the insects. The red complexion it gives to women’s skin, is considered a sign of beauty. Body decoration is important in Himba culture, especially for women. They wear jewelry made of shell, metal, bone or skin. Women usually go topless (as well as men) and wear a skirt made of goat skin. Adult women also wear heavy iron or copper necklaces, that can weigh several kilos, and beaded anklets to protect their legs from venomous animal bites. Himba dress codes and hairstyle rules are very complex. Himba hairstyles are really meaningful as they enable to identify their social status. Pre-pubescent girls wear 2 plaits in front of their faces. Replacing them with many strands hanging all over the head, means the girl is in her puberty period. A girl with long tied back braids is considered ready for marriage. Once married, an « erembe » (a piece of goat leather) is tied to the top of her head. Hairstyle also indicates the status of men. Single men are recognizable by the single plait on the back of their head (called an « ondatu ») with the rest of the head being shaved. Men having 2 plaits are suitable for marriage. When a man has a turban style hairdo it means he is married. If a kid has a single plait in front of his face, it means he is a twin.