A recently discovered papyrus from Egypt informs us that Myron the Greek sculptor of the middle 5th century BC. made statues of the athlete Timanthes, victorious at Olympia in 456 BC, and of Lycinus, victorious in 448 and 444 BC.

                                Royal child with plait;New New Kingdom ancient Egypt (In Egypt, the 
                                Pharaoh’s children wore a distinctive plait on the right side of the head)

African civilization had variety of different hairstyles.A lot of person still wearing,inspiring ancient African hairstyles in the world.They had symbolic hairstyles because of tribal traditions.

Hairstyles in Africa and among African Americans are ever-changing, yet deeply rooted in a shared past.

                                Bodi tribe woman haircut Ethiopia

                        

Hairdressing in Africa is always the work of trusted friends or relatives. In addition to the amiable social aspects of the event, the hair, in the hands of an enemy, could become an ingredient in the production of a dangerous charm or “medicine” that would injure the owner.

For those of you who would be interested in seeing how our hair ideas and styles have developed and what it means, i have put  an article which I think was well written and to the point. Enjoy!   Inputs and comments are welcome!

Ask almost any black woman and she will probably tell you that her relationship with her hair is similar to a love affair. Whether it’s the long hours spent waiting at the hair salon, the pain endured from pressing or braiding, or the amount of money spent—hair is truly an obsession. While I realize other cultures value hair, in Black culture hair is extremely significant and often synonymous with identity. And many individuals, such as Don King, Bob Marley, and Angela Davis have used their hair to make a statement.

                       Boy with plait (ozondato and ondengura neckband,Himba, Namibia, Africa 
                        Photo dated: Anneliese Scherz, 1940’s
                       
 As a member of the Black culture, I admit we often take the significance and maintenance of hair to another level. But this is not of our own will. In fact, the importance of hair in the Black community can be traced back to our African ancestors.

And the history of the affair begins…. The origin of this love affair can be traced back to Africa. It seems only natural that the “affair” would begin here, since most blacks were transported from the west coast of Africa. Although the textures of their hair varied greatly, the Africans expressed similar views on the cultural and social significance of their hair.

     Serpa Pinto, Alexandre Alberto Da Rocha De, 1846-1900, artist 
Source Title: History of Mankind, by Friedrich Ratzel,  translated from the second German edition by A. J. Butler, with an introduction by E. B. Tylor, Publisher: New York: Macmillan, 1896-1898. 

Social significance
“In the early fifteenth century, hair served as a carrier of messages in most West African societies” (Tharps and Byrd 2001) These Africans–citizens from the Mende, Wolof, Yoruba, and Mandingo—were all transported to the “New World” on slave ships. Within these communities, hair often communicated age, marital status, ethnic identity, religion, wealth, and rank in the community. Hairstyles could also be used to identify a geographic region. For example, in the Wolof culture of Senegal, young girls partially shaved their hair as an outward symbol that they were not courting (1). “And the Karamo people of Nigeria, for example, were recognized for their unique coiffure—a shaved head with a single tuft of hair left on top.” (1) Likewise, widowed women would stop attending to their hair during their period of mourning so they wouldn’t look attractive to other men. And as far as community leaders were concerned, they donned elaborate hairstyles. And the royalty would often wear a hat or headpiece, as a symbol of their stature. 

                                                   Natives of Ugogo, east central Africa
                                                   Gogo (African People)

Aesthetic significance
Just as the social significance of hair was important, so was its aesthetic appeal. According to Sylvia Ardyn Boone, an anthropologist who specializes in the Mende culture of Sierre Leone, “West African communities admire a fine head of long, thick hair on a woman. A woman with long thick hair demonstrates the life force, the multiplying power of profusion, prosperity, a ‘green thumb’ for bountiful farms and many healthy children” (Tharps and Byrd 2001) However, there was more to being beautiful than having long tresses. One’s hair also had to be neat, clean, and arranged in a certain style. These styles included, but were not limited to, cornrows, and other braided styles. They also adorned the hair with ornaments such as beads and cowrie shells. 

                      Natives of Ugogo, east central Africa Gogo (African People)

 Spirtual Significance
Just as hair was elevated for social and aesthetic reasons, its spiritual connection also served to heighten its significance. Many Africans believed the hair a way to communicate with the Divine Being. According to Mohamed Mbodj, an associate professor of history at Columbia University and a native of Dakar, Senegal, “the hair is the most elevated point of your body, which means it is the closest to the divine.” Consequently, many thought communication passed through the hair. Many believed a single strand of hair could be used to cast spells or inflict harm. This explains why hairdressers held and still hold prominent positions in the community. For those who do not know, styling and grooming black hair is often complicated and time consuming. This time spent at the hairdresser often results in close bonds between the stylist and the client. It is important to note that “unstyled” and unkempt hair was largely unseen, as were scarves and “headwraps.” Therefore, one can conclude that the hair was not meant to be covered. 

                             Fante women of Elmina (Edina) in Gold coast (Ghana)with their hairstyle 
                             in a wooden engraved drawing (1800-1895).

Damaging Effects of the Slave Trade
As the study of American history has revealed, the slave trade not only inflicted physical damage, but it also left emotional and psychological scars. The most devastating scar, that is still reflected today, is that done to the slave’s self-image. This is especially true as it relates to hair and skin color. As they both became the framework for determining race.

    The traditional Osun-Oshogbo African hairstyle

Slave owners often described the Africans’ hair as being “woolly”, thus likening them to animals. These and other terms would later be used to justify the inhumane treatment of the slaves. After years of repression and constantly seeing those with “straight hair” and “light skin” afforded better opportunities, the slaves began to internalize these words. Ultimately, self-hatred began. In an effort to educate others about black hair and to celebrate its diversity. 

     african american hairstyle history (http://thirstyroots.com/black-hair-history/african-american-hairstyle-history/hair-history-3)

                                   SOME TRIBAL AFRICAN HAIRSTYLES 

                          Woman with complex coiffure and hair ornaments

Girl with traditional hairstyle and tribal scarring , Sirigu , Upper East.

                                 Mangbetu hairstyle