The Mbalantu women of Namibia were, in the 1900s, well-known for their incredibly long tresses. Sourced from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia plant, indigenous to Australia, tea tree oil has long been used in traditional medicine. A mixture that is said to be the secret to growing their hair to such length. During this time the aafuko-girls had to sit squeezed together tightly in blazing temperatures in a palisaded enclosure. aafuko) and entitled to participate in the ohango initiation ceremony. The headdress was known as onyangha. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. The colouring was achieved by leaving the palm leaf strips for some time in a mixture containing finely ground particles of the root of a half-rotten Rhodesian Teak, which had coloured the mixture red. In the olden times the ohango ceremony lasted at least four days. The girl is made to, coat her hair in a thick paste made from the finely ground tree bark of the “omutyuula” tree mixed with fat. This method is a bit extreme but if you’re able to score the bark of the omutyuula tree, it could be an option– if long hair is a goal of yours. However, during the 1960s, it only lasted two days und was no longer accompanied by the extreme harshness of the old days. The mixture was applied to improve hair growth. Enter email address to receive updates from Face2face Africa Watch this Video Review from YouTuber Craving Curly Kinks ♥ Get your hair back on track by giving this Fermented Rice Herbal Shampoo a try This is a 3 in 1 Co-Wash *SHAMPOO* SCALP RENEWAL DETOX Delays greys grows back edges and optimizes any … Various ornaments made from beads were attached on top. Ngandjera woman. So, I introduce to you our very own African Rapunzels from the Mbalantu tribe of Namibia. The headdress was known as onyangha. There are over two hundred species in the Myrtaceae family, all of them being native to the Oceania continent. It consisted of a thick bushel of hair, which was kept in position by red palm leaf strips, which were wrapped around it. Most tea tree products will have a bit of a strong scent. If caught in time, it can also possibly prevent it from really taking hold in the first place. The oshikoma and iipando headdress of Ngandjera women was still worn during the 1970s in the form of wigs. Despite an abundance of commercial preparations promoted for antimicrobial use, sound clinical trials are limited. Already at the age of ca twelve years young girls started to prepare their hair for later headdresses. The River Villa is simply amazing. Subscribe, Join the conversation Share your thoughts, Enter Email Address Tea tree oil can help with some inflammation of the mucous membranes, which contributes to the pain of a sore throat, but most importantly it can help fight off an infection. Around the age of twelve (12) years, the Mbalantu girls use thick layers of finely ground tree bark of the omutyuula tree and oil. If a girl had reached the age of sixteen years, the headdress consisting of fruit pips was discarded and instead long sinew strands, which often reached the ground, were attached to the hair. As per a study, tea tree oil has the potential to treat the infection – but further studies are required to substantiate its use . So, I introduce to you our very own African Rapunzels from the Mbalantu tribe of Namibia. Subsequently, fruit pips of the bird plum were attached to the hair ends with the aid of sinew strings. At the age of approximately twelve years, Mbalantu girls started preparing their hair for later headdresses. The hair is not loosened until several years later. Extreme…, “The desert tells a different story every time one ventures in it.” – Robert Edison Fulton, Jr. Ngandjera/Kwaludhi, issued in 2002, artist: Mary Jane Volkmann. Mbalantu, issued in 1997, artist: Mary Jane Volkmann. iipando), were dangling over the shoulders. Already at the age of ca twelve years young girls started to prepare their hair for later headdresses. Mission stations were also only founded much later, which contributed towards the Mbalantu having retained some of their traditions, e.g. ... Now seen as women, their hair goes through another change. Submit, September 25, 2018 at 10:00 am | Lifestyle. According to historical sources the term “ohango” can be translated as “time of suffering” or “to suffer” as it was regarded as a fitness and pregnancy test for the girls. Eembuvi braids are part of the process of Mbalantu girls being initiated into womanhood. As they take a rather insignificant position among the OshiWambo-speaking groups, they were neither frequented by early traders during the nineteenth century nor did they participate in the agreements, which were signed between the German Government and various OvaWambo chiefs in 1908. The Ngandjera girls converted their long hanging sinew strands into two “horns”, which were also known as iipando. Then, fruit pips of the bird plum are then attached to the ends of the hair with sinew strings. This environmental sanitation pioneer was the first practising male medical doctor in Nigeria, Meet Cuffy, the West African slave who led a 1763 revolt that made him a Guyanese hero, Popular African figures who are proud homosexuals, Be respectful and put Harriet Tubman on the 20 dollar bill as planned, This math teacher in the UK is inspiring black girls with her new brand of black dolls with Afro hair, Black hair is so powerful and resilient that any attempts to malign it always fail, Meet the Mbalantu women, Africa’s real-life Rapunzels who had incredibly long hairs that touched the ground, Hair wigs, the popular fashion accessory traced back to 1550 BC Africa. Spray directly onto surfaces and wipe clean with a dry cloth. the skills to make handsome pottery and the rather spectacular headdresses of their women, for a much longer period of time than some of the other tribes. Search As among the Ngandjera and Kwaluudhi, the Mbalantu girls also covered their hair with a thick layer of finely ground tree bark of the omutyuula tree (Acacia reficiens), which was mixed with oil. At the age of approximately twelve years, Mbalantu girls started preparing their hair for later headdresses. Apparently in those years the ceremony did no longer take place in the Ngandjera and Kwaluudhi areas, but in the neighbouring Ombalantu-area. The mixture was applied to improve hair growth. Ngandjera girls instead left their sinew strands hanging loosely and a special hairpiece, the so-called oshikoma, was fastened on the back of their heads. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Mbalantu – The eembuvi-plaits of the Women, Ngandjera – the oshikoma and iipando Headdress, "We stayed one night a the main lodge and one night on the River Villa. A few years later the thick fat … For centuries the Ngandjera and Kwaluudhi have occupied the western regions of the area formerly known as Ovamboland. The only food they were allowed to consume were two drops of corn juice, which they were given on the fourth day. Shake well until thoroughly mixed. At this stage another thick layer of ground tree bark and fat was applied onto the head. Apparently the ceremony was formerly of such harsh nature that some girls succumbed. Filter by brand including AMERICAN CREW, Aura Cacia and Bath & Body Works or by category such as Health & Household, Aromatherapy Products and Essential Oil Singles. Submit, © 2011- 2020 Pana Genius. Best Tree Oil 2020. However, tea tree oil should not be taken orally. After removing the fruit pips of the previous headdress the existing sinews were lengthened with additional sinews, which were suspending down over the back. The differences that existed merely applied to the specific structures of headdresses. Just before the girls could enter the ohango initiation ceremony, the long sinew strands were converted into two or four thick plaits, which were known as eembuvi. It smells amazing and not obvious. It’s a style that requires preparation from a young age when Mbalantu girls use thick layers of finely ground tree bark and oils– a mixture that is said to be the secret to growing their hair to such lengths. They were hanging down on the sides of the head and at the back. Tea tree oil (TTO) is considered an essential oil, obtained by steam distillation of the leaves and terminal branchlets of Melaleuca alternifolia. Tea tree oil has been used traditionally as a topical antiseptic and antifungal treatment. For this purpose they covered their heads with pasta made of finely ground tree bark of the omutyuula-tree (Acacia reficiens) and oil of the fruit of the oshipeke-tree (Ximenia caffra). The hair is not loosened until several years later. If you thought tea tree oil was just another passing natural health fad, think again. The eembuvi-plaits of Mbalantu women. Especially the headdresses of Ngandjera and Kwaluudhi women were very similar. Just before Kwaluudhi girls entered the ohango ceremony, their sinew strands were converted into at least four arched, hornlike structures, which were wrapped with red-coloured palm leaf strips. A mixture that is said to be the secret to growing their hair to such length. Preparation for this stage begins around the age of twelve, when the hair undergoes special treatment to drastically speed up hair growth. The front edge of the coiffure, which was known as omhatela, was often decorated with a band of large, white beads (omawe gomupolo). The Mbalantu live in the extreme northern parts of the Omusati Region and part of their tribal area extends into southern Angola. The palm leaves had been replaced by shiny, red plastic band. Young girls started preparing their hair for later headdresses at the age of twelve. We checked 10 unrivalled 2020 tree oil over the past 2 years. Finely ground tree bark of the omutyuula tree. The oshikoma and the iipando were worn by married women for many years. Tea tree oil can also aid in the treatment of chlamydia, a sexually transmitted infection that is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. Sometimes small ornaments, which were adorned with white porcelain beads, were attached above the forehead at the base of the plaits. If swallowed, it can cause serious symptoms. In order to increase hair growth, the hair bushel was sometimes covered with the pasta of finely ground tree bark and oil. According to reports dating to the early 1900s, some 80 strings of sinew were sometimes used. Studies have been conducted in conditions including nail infections, athlete's foot, fungal skin infections, acne, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization, and hemorrhoids. Around the age of twelve (12) years, the Mbalantu girls use thick layers of finely ground tree bark of the omutyuula tree and oil. Shortly afterwards the pasta was removed and, in order to straighten the hair, the fruit pips of the wild date (Phyllogeiton discolor) were attached to the hair by means of ox sinews. In the past the coiffures worn by their girls and women were of such stunning beauty that they were known far beyond their tribal areas. First, the hair is coated with a thick paste made from the finely ground tree bark of the omutyuula tree mixed with fat. First, they coat their hair in a thick paste made from the finely ground tree bark of the omutyuula tree mixed with fat. Eembuvi braids are worn by women of the Mbalantu tribes from the Namibia. As among the Ngandjera and Kwaluudhi, the Mbalantu girls also covered their hair with a thick layer of finely ground tree bark of the omutyuula tree (Acacia reficiens), which was mixed with oil. Do consult your doctor before you use tea tree oil … Post was not sent - check your email addresses! According to historical reports this headdress was a “mighty coiffure” and its weight was of such nature, that the upper ends thereof were often attached to a piece of rope or skin, which was fastened around the forehead in order to distribute the weight more evenly. Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com. Tea tree oil, also known as melaleuca oil, is an essential oil that comes from steaming the leaves of the Australian tea tree.When used topically, tea tree oil is believed to be antibacterial. Tea tree oil benefits. As among the Ngandjera and Kwaluudhi, the Mbalantu girls also covered their hair with a thick layer of finely ground tree bark of the omutyuula tree (Acacia reficiens), which was mixed with oil. This mixture is applied to improve hair growth. The young girls were now regarded as married. A few years later the thick fat … The mixture is left on their scalp for years. Once the Ngandjera girls were adorned with the oshikoma and the Kwaluudhi girls had the iipando made, the ohango ceremony could proceed. The “horns”, known as oshipando (pl. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. A few years later, … Omutyuula oil and powder are easily attainable online via an easy-to-use form. Affordable price too compared to others. At the back just below the omhatela a leather strip decorated with cowrie-shells was also sometimes attached. I just make the association that this product will work too. They covered their heads with paste made of the finley ground bark of the omutyuula tree (Acacia reficiens, false umbrella-thorn) and oil of the fruit of the oshipeke-tree (Ximena caffra … Preparation for this stage begins when the girls are twelve and the hair undergoes special treatment to drastically speed up hair growth. Photo: CHL Hahn, Collection Antje Otto, If the girls had managed to proceed through the initiation ceremony, they were called “brides” (ovafuko). A new layer of the tree bark and oil mixture is applied to the hair to ensure further growth. Notably,terpinen-4-ol, the major TTO constituent, has been found to have potent anti-inflammatory properties. Australian aboriginals used tea tree leaves for healing skin cuts, burns, and infections by crushing the leaves and applying them to the affected area. Fittingly, on the…. They cover their hair with a thick layer of finely ground tree bark of the omutyuula tree. Girls are made to, first of all, coat their hair in a thick paste made from finely ground tree bark of the omutyuula tree mixed with fat. The … Farida Dawkins is a blogger, video content creator and staff writer at Face2Face Africa. If one considers that the plaits remained part of the head of the girls for day and night, one can imagine the extreme exertion the young girls had to go through during the initiation ceremony, which was just about to commence. The Ngandjera were also known as blacksmiths and as traders of iron products. As a result of the increasing activities of missionaries, migrant labour and the influences of the Administration, the old dress pattern gradually disappeared and already during the 1960s very little was left of it. The mixture was applied to improve hair growth. For this purpose they covered their heads with pasta made of finely ground tree bark of the omutyuula-tree (Acacia reficiens) and oil of the fruit of the oshipeke-tree (Ximenia caffra). Tea tree oil, known as the volatile essential oil, is native to Australia and comes from the Melaleuca Alternifolia plant which is part of the Myrtaceae family. Tea tree has a long history of traditional use. For this purpose they covered their heads with pasta made of finely ground tree bark of the omutyuula-tree (Acacia reficiens) and oil of the fruit of the oshipeke-tree (Ximenia caffra). Tea tree oil smells like Pine-sol to me, but since I’ve cleaned with Pine-sol and know it works, I don’t mind. Here’s an easy recipe for an all-natural, all-purpose cleaner: Combine 20 drops of tea tree oil, 3/4 cup of water and a 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle. The headdress was referred to as omulenda. Sulfur oils like Shapely's MTG are also good for this. People usually use tea tree oil to treat minor cuts, burns, acne , athlete's foot , mild fungal nail infections, vaginal yeast infections , and lung problems (when they add the oil to a bath or vaporizer). All Rights Reserved. Finally, the long plaits were taken up and arranged in a specific manner along the sides of the head and at the back, where they were attached. Herbal Essences Tea-Lightfully clean is their brand of tea tree oil shampoo/conditioner. The omhatela-coiffure was often worn long years after marriage. Face2Face Africa is black owned and operated. The girls layer their hair with finely ground tree bark of the Acacia reficens or the omutyuula tree and oils, a mixture which is believed to promote hair growth. With the exception of the Kwanyama, women of the western and southern OvaWambo groups all used ox sinews for lengthening their hair. Mbalantu women are known for their headdresses. A few years later the thick fat-mixture was loosened so that the hair became visible. What is tea tree oil used for? She enjoys writing about relatable and controversial lifestyle issues that pertain to women in Africa and the African diaspora. This thick mixture is loosened after several years leaving the hair visible. Ngandjera/Kwaludhi, issued in 2002, artist: Mary Jane Volkmann. The mixture was applied to improve hair growth. After the ohango was over, the girls were regarded marriageable. Numerous tea tree oil body care products are available, including soap, shampoo, toothpaste, lip balm, topical (used on the skin) cream, and essential oil. Tea tree oil is commonly used to treat acne, athlete's foot, lice, nail fungus and insect bites.Tea tree oil is available as an oil and in many over-the-counter skin products, including soaps and lotions. Find out which tree oil is best for you. Case reports exist for use in other conditions. Some girls also attached ivory buttons to the back of the head, which were worn as pendants. Photo taken by A. Scherz (1940s); source: Collection Antje Otto. Part of the rites of passage for achieving the long hair is to coat their hair in a thick paste made from finely ground tree bark of the omutyuula tree mixed with fat. WebMD explains the scientific evidence for its effectiveness against everything from athlete's foot to MRSA. At the age of twelve, young girls in Mbalantu tribes begin preparing their hair for the headdress. Once the girls had reached the age of ca sixteen years they were called omufuko (pl. I plan to buy some of the acacia powder, mix it with coconut oil, red palm oil and or shea butter and cover my hair with a wig for Winter. Tea tree oil contains constituents called terpenoids, which have been found to have antiseptic and antifungal activity.1 The compound terpinen-4-ol is the most abundant and is thought to be responsible for most of tea tree oil's antimicrobial a… There are many plants known as tea trees, but the species Melaleuca alternifolia is the source of tea tree essential oil. Native to Australia, the tea tree is an The young girl will live with this thick mixture on her scalp for years before it is subsequently loosened to make the hair visible. 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