"The similarity of people is as different as the hide of a zebra." —Kenyan proverb
Like other crafts, hairstyling and body adornment reflect the ebb and flow of time and place, individual and communal aesthetics. In communities such as the Maasai, Samburu, and Kikuyu, women traditionally shaved their heads, while men styled their hair in “locs.”
Now in urban settings, braided hair is ubiquitous and reflects the globalization of hairstyling options for women of African descent across economic strata.
Kenyans have also adopted body adornment practices, notably henna tattoos, that reflect Middle Eastern and South Asian influences.
FESTIVAL PARTICIPANTS
Jane Wanjiru has specialized in braiding African hairstyles and designs for over ten years. She became interested in braiding at a young age, when she discovered her inherent talent which later translated into a career. Her philosophy is, “there are as many braiding designs as there are human beings.”
Farida Rashid Mohamed and Fatima Simba are henna painters and body decorators. The materials she uses, henna and pico, are locally available and can as well be improvised from the immediate environment.
From the Festival
Henna is worn for special occasions by women of all ages. Farida Rashid Mohamed works in a salon in Mombasa on the coast of Kenya, where requests for henna keep her busy.
Photo by Brian Barger, Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections, Smithsonian Institution
Emily Gumba weaves synthetic strands into the hair of a Festival visitor.
Photo by Hermine Dreyfuss, Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections, Smithsonian Institution
A young visitor in the Adornment Arts tent gets a new look by hair braider Jane Wanjiru.
Photo by Michelle Arbeit, Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections, Smithsonian Institution
Emily Gumba and Jane Wanjira create an elaborate hairstyle for a visitor.
Photo by Hermine Dreyfuss, Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections, Smithsonian Institution
A visitor to the Adornment Arts tent has henna applied by Farida Rashid Mohamed, who is regarded as one of the best henna artists in Kenya.
Photo by Akea Brown, Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections, Smithsonian Institution
Young Festival visitors await their turn to have henna applied by artist Fatima Simba.
Photo by Brian Barger, Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections, Smithsonian Institution
Fatima Simba adorns the ankle of a Festival visitor with henna.
Photo by Benita Mayo, Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections, Smithsonian Institution
Intricate details show off Fatima Simba’s skills at henna art.
Photo by Walter Larrimore, Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections, Smithsonian Institution
Fatima Simba creates a unique henna design for a young visitor to the Adornments Arts tent.
Photo by Bea Ugolini, Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections, Smithsonian Institution
