#bantoue

Himba Man Silhouette In The Sunset, Epupa, Namibia by Eric Lafforgue on Flickr.

Interview de Max Lobe, auteur de «La Trinité bantoue» aux éditions Zoé. Un livre c’est d’abord une rencontre. Ces mots qu’on lit en 4ème de couverture pour mieux saisir l’esprit… Cet article Max Lobe, auteur de « La Trinité bantoue » est apparu en premier sur RencontresAmour.ch. http://dlvr.it/6pJfQZ

Himba twin in Okopale - Namibia by Eric Lafforgue on Flickr.

Himba man with his headrest - Angola by Eric Lafforgue on Flickr.

Himba decoration - Angola by Eric Lafforgue on Flickr.

kind of copper bracelets all the himbas women wear and rarely remove. They are very heavy. They have some at the arms and at the legs. 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.