Girls Hair--Ponies, Braids & Pompoms

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The nannies here often do the hair of the toddler girls and older babies. Maria has little colorful ponies. Neema has swirled flat braids. Zainabu has these little pompoms that remind me of an old chenille bedspread. I often think I have finally learned all the names of the nannies and then the next day they will come in with a new "do" and I have to start again. I must be boring to them because I wear my hair in a ponytail every day with the tail tucked up in the binder. The womens' hair here is joyful like other things in Africa (church music). We went to the market in Usa River and I smiled at a woman whose hair was in perfect petals like a dahlia. There are so many things that are difficult to see here: the poverty, the dust and dirt, the spewing diesel fumes from vehicles. But Sunday was a good day. So many women with beautiful hair in church. I love the braids that swirl up a woman's head and end in a perfect domed sculpture on her crown. God must be a woman.
Anne

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Photos

Maria
Maria's colorful ponies

Neema
Neema's braids

Zainabu
Zainabu's pompoms

Comments

[Nuala]

memories
Anne, your latest blog reminds me of my time in Liberia so many years go when I used to be fascinated with how gorgeous the women (and their children) looked in their native dress and complicated hair do's on Sunday morning as they walked to church, sometimes miles out of the bush into the town. It was also such a treat to watch them braid each other's hair, 3 or 4 sitting on the stairs, with the top woman braiding the woman sitting below her, and so on to the last woman. It would take hours sometimes, and such bonding and chatter and togetherness was all part of the ritual. It also used to amaze me how beautiful the women looked when you saw their homes and the poverty in which they lived, yet wrap a turban or 'lappa' (the long cloth they use as a dress or wrap-around) with some flair and they were stunning. They had such regal poise as well (probably from carrying heavy loads on their heads to the market in town). Dressing up for church was the done thing and almost obligatory, I think it was their way of showing respect for each other (maybe a little competition too!) as well as respect for the church. And could they sing!! Harmony seemed to be in their blood. Again, the pictures you are posting are delightful, the children are so beautiful and this experience will stay with you a long time. Take care and best to all of you.

[Elizabeth Skinner]

Beautiful Women and Girls
Nuala's comments are wonderful. I experienced the same type of wonder in the inner city of San Juan. The poorest women and girls would find ways to show their beauty on Sunday mornings. I learned alot about my femininity from the Puerto Rican women and girls. I learned to show a little flair Anne. Let the women there braid your hair!!! We are daughters of the King after all!!!! Peace and Joy of the Lord to you all. Love, Elizabeth