Hair Style as an Expression of One's Culture

We all know that hair is an outer expression of culture and heritage. It’s true that apart from being an image of personal elegance, most of our contemporary hair styles that are donned by folks in Ethiopia are not merely reflections of fashion. They run deeper than sheer craze. In other words, the hairstyles we see at present, be it those of gentlemen, ladies, or children are all intensely ingrained in our past. A two-hour or so drive north, south , east or west Ethiopia will depict this fact, as you will be able to witness the numerous hairstyles of women and men. However, today’s piece deals with solely the one that is still very popular and trendy no less than it was in the earlier era – the shuruba. Shuruba is one of them and is a kind of hairstyle that puts on plaits tightly braided to the head and fuzzing out at the shoulders. Originating in the northern part of Ethiopia, shuruba, used to be hairstyles shared by both men and women, and to this day, people in all quarters of the country are styled with it (of course, in some cases, with hair extensions and bead embroidery). Our beloved emperors and empresses Tewodros (Theodore), Yohannes (John), Menelik’s astute wife, empress Taitu used to beautify their hairs with braids and cornrows called shuruba. Emulating our emperors and empresses, our present day ladies (and in some cases, few young boys, too) are seen embellishing themselves with this wonderful shuruba hairstyle. Be it braided or freely-hanging, this amazing hairstyle has never ceased to be the emblem of Ethiopian pride and patriotisim. Fashions, as we all know, come and go, and throuought history society has replicated popular culture icons, be it clothing, way of life, etc. What's most astounding with shuruba is, however, it has still dictated the hair vogue of the day and become the fad of our society.
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