Meet the Himba Tribe Why Women Don’t Bathe with Water and Their Unique Beauty Rituals

The Himba people, who live in Namibia’s Kunene region, are well known for holding on to their traditional way of life despite modern changes around them. One of the most unique things about their culture is that they do not use water for bathing. This is not just a tradition but a practical response to the dry environment they live in.......CONTINUE READING THE ARTICLE FROM THE SOURCE>>

The Kunene region is very dry, and water is not easy to find. Because of this, the Himba use the little water they have mainly for drinking and caring for their animals. Instead of using water to wash, they have found other ways to stay clean.

A key part of their hygiene practice is using a red paste called otjize. This mixture is made from butterfat and red-colored earth. Himba women apply it to their skin and hair. It protects them from the strong sun, helps keep insects away, and acts as a kind of cleanser. The red color is also important in their culture, representing the earth and beauty.

Besides otjize, Himba women also use smoke baths to stay clean. They burn certain herbs and sit in the smoke, letting it cover their bodies. This helps remove sweat and body odor and leaves a pleasant smell. These smoke baths are done every day and are an important part of their routine.

These customs are more than just ways to deal with a dry climate. They are deeply tied to the Himba people’s identity and way of life. Through these practices, they pass down their values and traditions from one generation to the next. By keeping these habits, the Himba remain closely connected to their roots and community, showing strong pride in their culture despite the outside world changing around them.