Ever heard of hematite? Probably not. Yet, much like mud, this striking red stone boasts a wealth of benefits. From alleviating cramps and various aches to combating insomnia, hematite has been revered since ancient times, serving both as a beauty ritual and a form of makeup. For the Himba women, in particular, this stone remains a vital beauty essential to this day. In this article, delve into the world of this fascinating nomadic people and uncover how Himba women harness hematite to enhance their natural beauty.
But first, who are the Himba? A semi-nomadic pastoral people, their lives revolve mainly around their cattle. The cattle are so important to them, in fact, that the highest compliment one can pay a Himba woman is to tell her she resembles a small reddish-brown cow. And it's no coincidence that the Himba adorn their bodies with a beautiful mahogany hue. This color is reminiscent of the coat of their sacred animal. Every day, their beauty rituals are unchanging. Women take hematite, extracted directly from a local quarry, and grind it into the finest possible powder. Then, they mix it with animal fat. In the privacy of their huts, women apply this mixture to their heads and bodies, which makes their skin silky and protects them from the sun's rays. Their hair is styled into smooth, thick braids and is also coated with the same substance. Children receive the same treatment.
THE VIRTUES OF HEMATITE
It's no secret: precious stones are rich in trace elements. They contribute to skin beauty and health by stimulating cutaneous microcirculation and reactivating cellular exchanges. Whether directly reduced to powder for their light-reflecting and wrinkle-filling effects, or processed to extract their trace elements, stones are essential beauty allies. Of course, you won't find the equivalent of a diamond in your skin cream. But, even introduced in small quantities, stones have a real effect on the skin. And a touch of luxury in your cosmetic doesn't hurt, does it? Hematite, for its part, is very rich in iron. It brings radiance and tone to the skin. By acting directly on collagen production, it fights against the signs of aging. In ancient times, women used it in cosmetic formulations for their blushes and lipsticks. Enough to enhance their bodies with natural products.
OTHER HIMBA BEAUTY SECRETS
In addition to coating their bodies with hematite, women wear heavy necklaces. When they are made of a seashell, it is a sign of fertility. This indicates that the woman wearing it is of childbearing age.
Furthermore, every hairstyle has its meaning. Before puberty, girls are only allowed two braids. The number increases once puberty has passed. Then comes the erembe, a goat skin headdress worn by married women, while the ekori is worn for weddings or ceremonies.
