Cornrows, Back To Our Roots

Cornrows, Back To Our Roots

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While to the uneducated observer cornrows may seem like a modern trend that is especially popular with athletes and other famous African Americans and those who emulate them, this is far from the reality. Though it is true that many famous people keep their hair in this style it is more than just a fashion statement but a piece of cultural history. For many of African descent, cornrows are a way getting back to their roots while showing their pride in their heritage.

Cornrows are a popular hairstyle that uses many rows of braids, which are very close to the scalp. Most often these rows are straight but as many stylists have improved their braiding skills complex designs and patterns have emerged to create a unique style for the wearer.

Many attribute the history of cornrows to Africa, but they fail to point out just how long this style has been a part of the culture. This hair weaving style has been found in ancient clay sculptures in Nigeria that were created by the Nok civilization as far back as 500 B.C.

While the reasons why the ancient culture braided there hair in this manner will remain a mystery the tradition carried on with the continent among other civilizations over the centuries. For those cultures cornrow braids were used to identify religion, family, status in the village, and more. Just as other cultures around the world have used clothes or jewelry to tell a little about a person, Africans used their hair for this purpose.

This tradition and sense of identity through braiding was something that many slaves brought to the United States along with them and continued to do during their time in captivity. Of course over time this practice slipped away from vogue and for several decades many African Americans straightened their hair out instead of braiding it.

Cornrows came back into style for those of African descent during the sixties and seventies as more people of color wanted to get back to their roots and show pride in their heritage again. During this time many opened up specialty shops just for the purpose of braiding the hair of those who wanted to be a part of this resurgence.

Of course since then the braiding style has been cause for court litigation as cornrows as well as dreadlocks have had to fight for the right to not be banned by some employers. These disputes in the American workplace have had civil rights groups fighting for those who want to have cornrows that work in places where they are banned.

While the style may be closely associated with those of African descent it is a look that others have used as well. While the most famous cornrows on a Caucasian may have been the rows sported by Bo Derek in the movie "10" in 1970, showing that everyone can celebrate African history and style with this popular look. But for many today from rap stars, to athletes and more; cornrows will remain a piece of African heritage that is to be celebrated to show pride in cultural identity.

About the Author:
Camille Adelman is a braiding instructor who shares tips and tricks, not only on braiding, but also on bringing luster and beauty to your hair. The braiding culture has invited her to become one industry"s experts.
For more tips and information about braids by breslin, please check out braids.



Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com


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