The Significance of Cornrows for Black History: Knotless Knowledge Series 2

The infamous style named after the agricultural fields, where many who were enslaved worked, also known as “canerows”, for caribbeans who worked in sugarcane fields is still extremely popular to this day. This term was coined in the 16th-19th century in South America.

This style was common in this time especially, as it kept a “tidy” appearance and was simple to maintain.

This hairstyle may be the oldest braiding style, with Hieroglyphs and sculptures, dating back thousands of years (Peters, 1990), being discovered with what appears to be the beautiful said style. 

A named example includes the Stone Age cave paintings at Tassili n'Ajjer Plateau of the Sahara appearing to be wearing this style. These may date back to 3500 BC. The style has even been seen in a Nigerian clay sculpture, from the ancient Nok civilization, which may date from as old as 500 BCE. 

(Image 1: CSDT, 2022)

(Image 2: David Darling 2016)

(Image 3: Skyscrapecity, 2011)

So why was this style so significant, and still holds weight in modern day?

It was a form of rebellion

Many enslaved Africans have had their hair shaved during the process of colonisation in the 16th century, to remove this factor from our identities, and have Africans present closer to Eurocentric standards of what looks appropriate.

It was a form of communication

For enslaved individuals who had the opportunity to keep and maintain this style, it also served as an impressive form of communication in many different ways. 

In the early 1500s, this style represented social class, occupation, tribe, religion and even one’s marital status!

Additionally, certain patterns which were braided would replicate escape routes from plantations, so that these could be shared exclusively. As well as, using the style to signal plans, or private meetings, without arousing suspicion, which would otherwise put them in danger. Definitely a 'protecive style'.

Transportation of food

Food such as rice and/ or seeds could be stored within cornrows! This was important because if enslaved individuals managed to escape, they would have food and nourishment in preparation, or on their journey to bondage, they could eat.

Mothers would also braid food into their children's hair before separation between plantations.

[All images: https://fence.photoville.com/black-rice/]

Besides the convenience of cornrows, it is the strong history behind this artistic style which makes it very clear why it is held at such a high standard and is a symbol of art and beauty within the Black community. It presents pride in our history and is still a form of rebellion in modern day, as it still does not align with the westernised beauty standards of today, but we should still working towards normalising our hairstyles which work for us. 

Thanks for reading! Hope you enjoyed this brief overview on the history of cornrows, and feel free to read previous articled on the website, and leave any thoughts. Also check out our instagram page!

References:

CSDT, 2022. African Origins [online]. Available at: https://csdt.org/culture/cornrowcurves/origins.html [accessed 17th January 2023]

David Darling, 2016. Prehistoric art [online]. Available at: https://www.daviddarling.info/encyclopedia_of_history/P/prehistoric_art.html [accessed 17th January 2023].

SkyScraperCity, 2011. Nigeria Art and Culture [online]. Sokotoaliphate. Available at: https://www.skyscrapercity.com/threads/nigeria-art-and-culture.1324657/# [accessed 17th January 2023].