6 distinct ways African communities displayed their identity

Samburu Man. Photo: Wiki CC

Body and Hair paint

Hair painting is one of the ways the Himba women of Namibia identify themselves. They use a mix of ground red rock and butter to colour their hair. They use different ways to create their dreadlocks before they are dyed.

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The Maasai in Kenya also dye their hair.  The Maasai and Samburu Moran (warrior) will dye their hair with red ochre, which is considered a sacred colour.