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Coffures as a Form of "Art"? Outline of Hairstyles and Their Symbolism in African Culture

Publication at Faculty of Arts |
2013

Abstract

Hair - whether present or absent, long or short, bound or unbound, colored or natural - marks a person and its role in society. It defines a person's gender, sexual availability and desirability, age or social status.

Especially in African culture and art is significance of coiffures enormous, as is shown in ethnographic and historical evidence in this brief outline. The great significance of hair in Black Africa has been clear through the centuries.