Himba women of Namibia cover their braids in otijize, a mixture of butterfat and ochre pigment, which gives their hair and skin a deep orange or reddish tint. The paste is often perfumed with the aromatic resin of Commiphora multijuga (omuzumba). The color of otijize symbolizes earth’s rich red color and blood, the essence of life, and is the Himba ideal of beauty. Otjize is also used for hygienic purposes due to water scarcity. Over time, otjize flakes off, removing dirt and dead skin. Wood ash is used to wash the hair.