The Himba are semi-nomadic pastoralists who live in the Northwest of Namibia, an area very rugged, dry, remote and mountainous. They live by herding sheep, goats and some cattle and they move location several times a year to graze their livestock. The women are topless and wear mini-skirts made of goat skins adorned with shells and jewellery made of iron and copper. The men wear goatskin loin cloths. Both men and women smear their skin and hair with a mixture of rancid butter, ash and ochre to protect them 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. As well as protection from the sun, the deep red colour is a highly desirable look in the Himba culture.
© Ramdas Iyer Photography