The Himba tribe, an indigenous community, lives in northern Namibia and the south of Angola. In May 2023, I attended their village and had my face coated with pearls so as to understand the complex relationship between traditional and modern fashions, between timelessly beautiful pearls and dynamically powerful modern designs. I sought to contrast various modes of expression of beauty. In Himba culture there is a millennial-old method of doing it. I have mine. My appearance is just as intricately woven as the traditional Himba outfits.
Women of the Himba tribe are also interested in how I’m dressed as much as I am them. I asked local ladies if they liked my appearance, and they replied that yes, they found it quite beautiful.
