Namibia

Daughters of the desert

On the Kunene river valley, north of Namibia, the sun will rise in a few minutes. For Himba women it is grooming time. The clothes are skimpy, little more than a tiny leather skirt, but the make-up could take time, possibly hours. A butter, herb and red okra-based body lotion will soften their skin, protecting it from the desert sun and insect bites. A clay-based colouring will be used to die their pleated hair. Shells and metal rings will cover every inch of their body.