This color photograph captures a young Himba boy in Namibia, distinguished by the traditional "plaited" hairstyle that signifies his stage of life before reaching maturity. His skin and hair are coated in the iconic otjize—a mixture of butterfat and red ochre—which serves both aesthetic and protective purposes in the semi-arid climate. Over four decades, Beckwith and Fisher have documented the ceremonies and daily lives of traditional African cultures, emphasizing the visual artistry inherent in their customs. This piece is an Artist Proof (AP) from a limited edition, hand-signed in pencil by both photographers in the lower right margin.

Details Artist: Carol Beckwith and Angela Fisher Title: Himba Youth, 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 youth Carol Beckwith Angela Fisher fine art photography limited edition artist proof African ceremonies vanishing traditions ethnographic portrait