Messages of freedom hidden in hair
There has been a resurgence of braided hairstyles in Afro-Colombian communities of Colombia in recent years. Not just because they are beautiful but to remember and honour their ancestors, who had been brought over from Africa in the 16th century. The slaves used the braids to plan their escape and to hide seeds and gold to help them survive.
Thick, tight braids, braided closely to the scalp and tied into buns on the top signalled that they wanted to escape.
Curved braids, tightly braided on their heads represented the roads they would use to escape.
Ziomara Asprilla Garcia, who represents the Afro Columbian women of Choco, learned this art from her mother. She says…
“People are braiding hair and wearing headpieces and more traditional dress to honor their ancestors. People dress in African tunics and headpieces. We are keeping that tradition alive.
These days, braiding has become a way of communicating pride and freedom from oppression. A way of saying that black hair is strong enough to hold this message.”
There is a great strength that people draw from each other when the come together in a common cause. It is inspiring.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/afro-colombian-women-braid-messages-of-freedom-in-hairstyles/2011/07/08/gIQA6X9W4H\_story.html