FOCUS - MARCH 2019 39 I soon discovered that the men were the herders and would tend to the animals, taking them grazing for many days at a time. That explained their absence. Women and girls tend to perform more labour-intensive work, such as carrying water, building the homes (made from red clay soil and cow manure, collecting firewood, as well as making handicrafts, clothing and jewellery. The responsibility for milking cows and goats, and taking care of the children, also lies with the women and girls. I looked around and saw about a dozen huts, 25 or so women and numerous children, as well as goats scrambling everywhere. I watched a woman, seated under the hot sun, grinding a large ochre stone with a smaller one. She stopped every few minutes to collect the powder from the stone and placed it in a pot. She, like all the other women, wore calfskin loin- cloths and some wore crude sandals. After enough powder had been gathered, the woman mixed it with butter and fat, and began to smear the mixture, known as ‘otjize’ all over her body. This tradition beautifies the wom- an, as well as protects her from the 40+- degree sun. She braids her hair and rubs the otjize throughout it, expertly weaving animal hair into the ends. Once that ritual is complete, and it takes a good ninety minutes to per- form, they go inside their hut and light a fire. A selection of herbs is heated over the fire and the smoke is then blown into their hair, to give them a perfumed odour. I must admit I did smell quite nice, and the red paste on my skin gave me a very appealing look. The boys wore a single braided hair plait, extended to the rear of the head. That was the only way I was able to distinguish them from the girls, who had numerous braids. The girls also wore loincloths, whereas the boys seemed to enjoy life au naturel. Himba boys are circumcised at puberty, in a tribal ritual. Fortunately, that was left for another day. The Himba people worship a god of their ancestors called Mukuru. They communicate with their god through a holy fire, which is constantly kept alight in their villages. The fire acts as an The Himba people welcomed strangers. Kids are friendly the world over. Mud and manure hut of the Himba people. Three little children on a mission. ...................... Please turn to page 40