The bonnet-like headdress of this young Himba girl is a visible sign of her recent marriage. Known as ekori, the leather garment is handed down from generation to generation and will be worn for at least a month after her wedding. It prevents all but forward vision and, as such, is believed to encourage modesty and a humble demeanour, which are the most admired traits of a new wife. The girl's body gleams from a mixture of red ochre, butterfat and herbs. Her long hair is styled in the traditional Himba way and is crowned with a headdress made of lambskin, called erembe. The Himba are Herero-speaking Bantu nomads who live in the harsh, dry but starkly beautiful landscape of remote northwest Namibia.Purros