by anonymous
Cornrows date back to ancient times, with the style appearing on sculptures and in paintings from ancient African civilizations. They’ve been recorded in Egyptian hieroglyphics. From the Ivory Coast, and Cameroon, to Nigeria, South Africa and all across the African continent, hair was a symbol of pride and status. According to BBC reports, “ In early African civilizations, hairstyles could indicate a person’s family background, tribe, and social status.”You demonstrated your power, your worth, through elaborate hairstyles. They were used to express emotions; when in mourning, you’d adopt simpler styles, or not do your hair at all, whereas if you were going to war, you’d get your hair done in more elaborate fashions.
Way back in the day, they were a medium for cultural transmission. You’d sit for a spell with neighbors, family members, or other personnel, and while you got your hair done, you’d get stories. News. Hear songs. As the years go by, and you learned how to cornrow, you’d be on the giving end, transmitting the same tales, and songs, and histories to other girls and boys. You kept the tradition alive in your fingers. Dexterous hands weaved new tails, new patterns, and more histories.
Somewhere along the lines, after being treated with the conditioners of colonization, eurocentrism, acclamation, and appropriation, this original value attached to black hair was washed away.