HIMBA “THE RED” TRIBE
Hair Braiding is a communal activity.
For a Himba woman, her hair is her power. Occupying deserts that border Namibia with Angola – they are known as the “Red people of Namibia”. Their appearance is result of a mixture of paste, called “otjize’’. on both their bodies and hair. By blending the aromatic resin of shrub, animal fat and ground red pigmented stone, women rub the paste onto their hair and bodies. It gives the women’s skin and hair a distinctive red glow whilst protecting it from sun.
It symbolizes blood, the essence of life, and the earth’s rich red colour.
Hairstyles play a significant role within the Himba community.
It reflect marital status, age, wealth, and rank within the group. thick braids and lustrous hair indicates a women’s ability to bear healthy children. Those who have been married for about a year, or have had a child, wear an ornate headpiece called the Erembe, sculpted from sheep or goatskin.
The distinctive red hue, applied by all Himba women each morning – is what became an iconic image of Africa.
Blending natures resources to drive rituals and visual aesthetics, BLUJUJ drew inspiration from this ancient tribe. Reinventing stock waste materials fusing it with cultureand fashion…
WE CREATED THE HIMBA JACKET!
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