Swazi dandy, Gollel area, Swaziland [Eswatini], 1949
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
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Language of Materials
English
Finding aid date
2014-12-10 12:25:24+00:00
Geographic
Repository Details
Part of the Cambridge University Library Repository
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