Head Scarves
Beautiful Africa. Ancient cultures thrived there and the crowning glory of Africa’s children was cherished. Braids, beads, and locks adorned their heads. Combs were carved from bone and used to free tangles from kinks and curls.
Then came the slave ship.
Heads are shorn. Shame! Tears… Nightmare follows nightmare in the belly of those stinking, hellish vessels. When at last the hatch was thrown open to flood the horror with light and fresh air, fear and hope must have mingled in their hearts.
We survived! Land at last! But what new terrors will this new, strange land hold?
Past the humiliation of the auction block lay fields of endless labor on the plantation. Sun up to sun down. Work those fingers to the bone!
Don’t stop! Pick faster! Crack of the whip and curse of the Master!
No more time for braids. No more combs of bone. A carding tool for the fleece of sheep would have to do the job. Forced neglect and poor hygiene breed disease on the scalps of Africa’s children and once beautiful tresses fall free leaving bald patches behind. Malnutrition and exhaustion take their share of kinks and curls as well.
Africa’s children bow their heads in shame as weary hands reach for rags to cover once proud heads.
Nice blog shawls and
scarves.
where do I find instructions for how to tie and wear a twisted head scarf?
Sheryl,
I have a good friend who wears beautifully tied headscarves. She has agreed to teach me, and allow me to photo the process for an article. We may even try to video it. I am going to try to schedule her for this week, so keep an eye out for it!
Sherri
I like your site! It’s full of great info. Look up a book called “Headscarves”…I think you’ll like it. It’s a full-color representation of the use of headcovering all over the world. Headwraps are another traditional practice that predates slavery — especially in Africa. I must say you’ve captured the feelings and importance of AA hair very well in your site. Thanks