Design

The Himba people live in one of the most extreme habitats; the harsh desert climate and the dearth of potable water are the reasons why this tribe has a quandary getting a bath.

Lack of proper bath practice doesn’t make them look less pretty. When you see them in their traditional attire, they actually look great.

Since having a bath is quite difficult for them, they practice smoke bathing daily, which involves applying red ochre on their skins in other to maintain good hygiene.

In smoke bathing, shouldering charcoal is poured into a bowl filled with herbs, and the smoke is allowed to clamber up and they will curtsy over the smoking bowl, and because of the heat generated from the smoke, their body will exude and help in cleaning the body.

Artist | Designer | illustrator | Content/Design Researcher