Kunene region , Namibia ( CNN ) -- For years , an ancient tribe of semi-nomadic herders known as the Himba has drawn photographers to Namibia 's barren northwest . As a result , the striking image of the Himba -- if not their name -- has become known far beyond the remote , unforgiving Kunene region where they eke out a living tending livestock . The reason for this is otjize , a paste of butter , fat and red ochre -- sometimes scented with aromatic resin -- that Himba women apply each morning to their skin and hair , giving them a distinctive red hue . The sight of traditional Himba women has become an iconic image of Africa . There has been much speculation about the origins of this practice , with some claiming it is to protect their skin from the sun , or repel insects . But the Himba say it is an aesthetic consideration , a sort of traditional make-up they apply every morning when they wake . Men do not apply otjize . Although it is constantly jeopardized by development , including proposed hydroelectric projects , many Himba lead a traditional lifestyle that has remained unchanged for generations , surviving war and droughts . These customs can be glimpsed today in the village of Omarumba , where around 20 people live under the leadership of chief Hikuminue Kapika . The Himba are open to outsiders coming to witness their way of life , but ask for a contribution from visitors in return -- in this case , maize , coffee , tea , cooking oil and $ 25 donation . As pastoralists , cattle are central to the lives of the Himba -- just like their relatives , the Herero , who are renowned for the headwear of their women , which resemble cattle horns . Read also : The Namibian women who dress like Victorians . In the center of the village is a pen where young cattle , sheep and goats are held , while more mature animals are left to roam the periphery . Every morning , after the women have applied their otjize , they milk the cattle , before the young men of the village lead them out to graze . If there is nowhere to graze , the village may relocate , or the young men set up a temporary village with their stock . The past year has been dry , says Uvaserua Kapika , one of the chief 's wives , and the village is concerned about the welfare of their livestock . `` Last year , it rain ( ed ) a lot and I was very comfortable . This year , I do n't know what to say ... I pray to God as the animals are dying . '' The homes of the Himba , who number between 30,000 and 50,000 , are round structures constructed of sapling posts , bound together to form a domed roof which is plastered in mud and dung . The most important part of the Himba village is the `` okuruwo , '' or holy fire . Kept continuously alight , the holy fire represents the ancestors of the villagers , who acts as intermediaries to the Himba 's god , Mukuru . The chief 's is the only house whose the entrance faces the fire -- all the others face away -- and it is important for outsiders not to walk in the sacred area between his house and the fire . Read also : 'Stolen ' African skulls return to Namibia . At night , an ember from the fire is brought into the chief 's hut , then used to kindle the flames again in the morning . Chief Kapika said he would regularly sit by the fire to interact with his ancestors . `` We pray for rain to come and our cattle to multiply , '' he said . `` He must bless me with more followers as a chief . '' Said his wife , Uvaserua Kapika . `` This is the place we pray to our God in heaven . In this place , you can get healed . Everything is performed here . ''
The Himba women of northwest Namibia are renowned for their use of otjize . Otjize is a paste of butter , fat and red ochre which is applied to their hair and skin . The Himba communicate with their god and their ancestors through a holy fire .