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Swazi dandy, Gollel area, Swaziland [Eswatini], 1949

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/RCMS 211/30
Swazi dandy, Gollel area, Swaziland
Swazi dandy, Gollel area, Swaziland

Scope and Contents

'The Swazi youth takes a keen interest in his hair and carries a mirror as frequently as do the womenfolk. His mirror may be decorated with beadwork by his womenfolk, or set in a wooden frame which he darkens with burning and carves into patterns. The lightening of his hair is a serious occupation, almost a ritual. A waterfall or rapids is essential to the process and helps to straighten and sort out the kinky hair. Yellow soap is heavily lathered on after the waterfall treatment and remains in a smooth soap cap for 3 or 4 weeks. The action of sun on yellow soap produces the blonds and straightens the kinks. Then comes another visit to the waterfall where soap is removed and the hair carefully dried out, gollywog fashion. Beaded pins and earrings are added for special occasions.'

Dates

  • Creation: 1949

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

From the Fonds:

Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).

Language of Materials

English

Finding aid date

2014-12-10 12:25:24+00:00

Includes index.

Repository Details

Part of the Cambridge University Library Repository

Contact:
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