This color photograph captures a Himba woman in Namibia, characterized by the traditional application of otjize—a mixture of butterfat and ochre pigment—to her skin and hair. The portrait highlights the intricate symbolic hairstyles and heavy brass and copper jewelry that signify various stages of life within the Himba community. Beckwith and Fisher have spent over four decades documenting the traditional visual languages of African ethnic groups, emphasizing the artistic expression found in daily and ceremonial life. This piece is an Artist Proof (AP) from a limited edition, hand-signed in pencil by both artists in the lower right margin.

Details Artist: Angela Fisher and Carol Beckwith Title: Himba Woman in Ochre, Namibia Medium: Color photograph Edition: AP 3/5 (Artist Proof) Dimensions: 22 x 16 inches Signature: Hand-signed in pencil by both artists in the lower right margin; numbered in the lower left margin

Himba culture Namibia African ethnography otjize body adornment tribal hair styles ritual jewelry Carol Beckwith Angela Fisher fine art photography limited edition artist proof African ceremonies vanishing traditions ethnographic portrait