Ghanaian Women's Hairstyles
Throughout Ghanaian history, hairstyles have functioned as markers for social status, age and political position. Some are designed for special occasions, others are meant for daily wear, but all of them are indicative of a larger cultural and historical landscape in which these elaborate designs pass from one generation to the next.
In the late 1950s and early '60s, the popular use of wigs began to threaten traditional hairdressing and contributed in time to the gradual disappearance of elaborate hair designs in the visual patterns of Ghanaian life. Since then there has been a resurgence of women's hairdos as part of cultural renaissance. Each hairstyle speaks to an ancient history, an accumulated knowledge, and the present state of a living culture. These intricate creations involve many hours, sometimes even days, of braiding assembled in weave-like, linear patterns. Hairstyling is a form of art. When you see a hairstylist do this or that, every singe movement is precise and rapid. She creates a hairstyle the way a sculptor would work - from nothing.
All over Ghana now one sees extraordinary hair styles, which can reach the heights of creativity and expression. Some coiffures are flights of sheer fancy, resembling butterflies or flowers. Others involve intricate plaits passed down through the centuries.
Hair is straightened, woven, braided, relaxed, ironed, extended, beaded, flattened, twisted, or even just left alone. It is hidden under ornate wigs. Sections are shaved in ancient geometric patterns or in more intricate designs -- such as nkotimsefoo pua of the queenmother’s attendants.
Others weave in stiff wires, extensions, shells, ribbons, cloth, or beads. Those who can afford it will spend a precious day off or much of a month's wages to get their hair done in just the right coif. The more humble will employ the services of kith or kin to braid their locks in the privacy of home. A good hairdo adds an element of glamour for what to many people is a life of hardship. It is a proof of dignity and pride, especially if one lives in an urban slum or in the village and has only a simple cotton cloth to wear.
Various hairstyles have mathematical patterns that can use to generate children's interest in mathematics.
| Name of Hairstyle | Meaning of the Hairstyle | |
| Hair Modeling and computerization |
http://eprints.ru.ac.za/131/01/Thesis.pdf Many computer graphics applications make use of virtual humans. Methods for modelling and rendering hair are needed so that hairstyles can be added to the virtual humans. Modelling and rendering hair is challenging due to the large number of hair strands and their geometric properties, the complex lighting effects that occur among the strands of hair, and the complexity and large variation of human hairstyles. While methods have been developed for generating hair, no methods exist for generating African hair, which differs from hair of other ethnic groups. This thesis presents methods for modelling and rendering African hair. Existing hair modelling and rendering techniques are investigated, and the knowledge gained from the investigation is used to develop or enhance hair modelling and rendering techniques to produce three different forms of hair commonly found in African hairstyles. The different forms of hair identified are natural curly hair, straightened hair, and braids or twists of hair. | |
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Mende Woman's Hairstyle
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Cornrow Curves and their mathematical implications
http://www.ccd.rpi.edu/Eglash/csdt/african/CORNROW_CURVES/ Eglash shows mathematical implications of African and African-American women hairstyle | |
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GILMER, G. 1998. Mathematical Patterns in African American Hairstyles. Ethnomathematics is the study of such mathematical ideas involved in the cultural practices of a people. Its richness is in exploring both the mathematical and educational potential of these same practices. The idea is to provide quicker and better access to the scientific knowledge of humanity as a whole by using related knowledge inherent in the culture of pupils and teachers. Gilmer shows the link between African and African-American hairstyles and mathematical patterns. | |
Maame Pa - Sweet Mother |
Maame Pa - Sweet Mother
Becoming a mother changes lives in many ways. Motherhood occupies a special place in African cultures and societies. Regardless of whether a particular African society displays a patrilineal or matrilineal kinship system, mothers are the essential building block of social relationships, identities, and indeed society. Because mothers symbolize familial ties, unconditional love and loyalty, motherhood is invoked even in extra-familial situations that calls upon these values. This hairstyle gives praise and reverence to Sweet Mother. | |
 Gye Nyame |
Gye Nyame - Except God
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Tekuwa style from the coastal area of Ghana. This hairstyle is very popular among the Fantse women along the coastal area of Ghana. Various styles are depicted and the hairpins have names and meanings. | |
 Nkotimsefoo pua - hairstyle of the queenmother's attendants |
The queenmother's attendants are given a special hairstyle called nkotimsefoo pua. This hairstyle symbolizes LOYALTY, DEVOTION TO DUTY, and DISTINGUISHED PUBLIC SERVICE | |
| Go to the Gallery for more Ghanaian women hairstyles |
