The Himbas of Namibia -- OGs of Protective Styling

[yardyspice]

The women of the Himba tribe of Namibia use a paste made of rancid butter, ochre powder which seems to be a type of clay, and herbs. The red color the ochre produces is said to be a sign of beauty and a sunscreen. The thing that struck me is that the women have "long" type 4 hair but it doesn't seem to be dreadlocks.

I've been thinking of getting yarn braids ever since I read about them because the concept is similar: the hair is stretched and covered.

 

[lucea]

Nice pics. Can I ask where you found them?

 

[robot.]

i wonder if that stuff gets/feels heavy?

 

[mscocoface]

I always think of them when I get tired or frustrated with my hair. They seem to hold their hair in high esteem and consider it beautiful. I hold on to that thought when I am feeling challenged regarding natural hairstyles.

 

[anon123]

How do they do that? Do they have to wrap it with string or anything first, before putting the clay on? I kind of wish I could try

 

[yardyspice]

I found pictures on the following sites:
http://blackgirllonghair.blogspot.com/2009/02/african-style-week-himba-women-red-clay.html

http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2007/1/11134_space.html