In this state in southeastern Africa, Macao ladies walk the streets with the so-called musiro on their faces. We learned what it is and how it helps them stay beautiful.
What kind of musiro is this? A white mask paste is obtained by rubbing the branches and roots of an olax distiflor shrub. It dries up on the face and acts like the clay masks used in Western beauty salons. Then it is washed off with water. However, in addition to moisturizing and cleansing the skin, it also protects it from the sun and is therefore often worn all day, especially during the holy month of Ramadan in Muslim countries.
In the past, only unmarried women and girls wore musiro, which is considered a very effective remedy for acne, and gradually the mask has become a symbol of youth and beauty. Brides covered their entire bodies with it on their wedding night, and then they never wore it again.
However, this tradition has outlived its usefulness, and now Macau women use the mask even as tribal decoration during events such as dance festivals. Interestingly, the musiro was once applied in such a way that it was possible to understand whether a woman was married or just betrothed.