By Savithri Rodrigo
Kigali, Rwanda (Commonwealth Union)_When Hollywood darling Lupita Nyong’O walked the red carpet at the 90th Academy Awards as part of the Black Panther cast, her hair took center stage. It was inspired Rwanda’s traditional Amasunzu hairstyles that for the most part have disappeared from view. Nyong’O’s hair was a trio of braided segments wrapped around her head interspersed with a delicate weave of gold thread that made for a striking piece of art.
Amasunzu is a masterpiece in skill with crests and partings sculpted to narrate messages and stories and it’s making a comeback. The once famous Rwandan hairstyles in the pre-colonial era where those who did not wear the Amasunzu style were looked on with suspicion even until the 20th century, is returning, bigger and better and with more stories to tell.
The legacy of Amasunzu goes back to over a century with its signature sculptures of shapes, peaks and shaved partings, styled in more than 30 different ways. The hairstyle representing different stages of life in both men and women, were worn by warriors symbolic of strength and bravery. When worn by women, it was usually to indicate virginity and availability to potential suitors. Of course, prestige came with the package. The style was so popular that competitions ensued with the young aspiring to be old enough to wear the style with some pizzazz.
Although the tradition died out, it is now seeing a renaissance with some hairstylists determined to protect this part of Rwanda’s cultural legacy.
