Hair
hair
A woman's hair is a sign of femininity.
Both thickness and length are elements that are admired by the Mende.
Thickness means the woman has more individual strands of hair and the length is
proof of strength. It takes time, care and patience to grow a beautiful,
full head of hair. Ideas about hair root women to nature, the way hair
grows is compared to the way forests grow. The vegetation on earth
is the "hair" on the head of Mother Nature in the same way the hair on the head
of a woman is her "foliage." (Boone) A woman
with long, thick hair illustrates a life force, she may be blessed with a green
thumb giving her the ability to have a promising farm and many healthy children.
Hairstyles are very important in Mende society. A Sande
woman's hair must be well groomed, clean, and oiled. Hair must be tied
down under strict control and shaped into intricate, elegant styles for the sake
of beauty and sex appeal. Dirty, disheveled hair is a sign of insanity.
A woman who does not groom and maintain her hair has neglected the communities
standards of behavior. Only a woman in mourning can let her hair loose.
The Sande finds unarranged "wild" hair immoral and connects it to wild
behavior. Ngufulo is a Sande term meaning "unplaited hair," the
extended term Ngufulo-mo means "a woman of loose morals."
(Boone)
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