By Amanda Hawker
We’re back with part two of our journey
into the history of braiding, breaking down some history on a style that is
classy, edgy and yet neat and versatile as well. I’m talking, of course, about cornrows.
In researching this article, I've realised that the African
obsession with hair is a hereditary thing that goes back all the way to our
first forefathers.
In ancient times – just as in modern times – hours were spent creating intricate hairstyles for daily wear and special occasion alike.
Cornrows (or cane rows, as they are known in the Caribbean) have literally been around for centuries. This traditional way of styling the hair is popular throughout all of Africa, especially in North and West Africa, where you will find some of the most intricate styles adorning the heads of men, women and children alike.
One
of the oldest historic depictions of cornrows is a clay from the Nok
civilization which existed in Nigeria almost 500 years before Christ was born.
The most common and straightforward type of design for cornrows are the simple, straight lines, usually running from the forehead to the nape of your neck (if you've ever had these done at a hairdresser, they’re usually called a “straight back.”). Then, there are the more complex geometric or spiral designs – a beautiful declaration of individuality, class or social standing.
In Ethiopia, warriors and kings wore cornrows as a symbol of their exalted standing. Cornrow braiding was also popular in the Middle East with many sheiks and kings also rocking rows.
When hundreds of thousands of Africans were abducted and
sold into slavery, their knowledge of cornrow braiding crossed the oceans with
them, which is how the style reached the shores of North America and the
Caribbean. Slaves would often braid their hair to keep it neat and tidy. Of
course, times changed and chemically straightened hair became the new norm.
While cornrows never completely went out of style in Africa, there definitely
was drop in their popularity, especially as many Africans looked to America for
style inspiration. Cornrows became the
mainstay of socially rebellious adults and little children. But they never
truly died out here in Africa.
Fortunately, thanks to the Black Consciousness and Civil
Rights Movements, the wheel has turned once again. Cornrows can now be seen in many shapes and
styles on many heads and are now worn by many cultures and races. You can plait
them into your hair with synthetic extensions and even add beads, ribbons or
bows.
Cornrows are cool and trendy, worn by everyone from
Hollywood It-girls to football stars, hipsters and neo naturals. But their
roots and origins, remain strongly entrenched on African soil.
Images courtesy of Wikimedia