Hair Decoration

Gourds or Calabashes whether decorated or not, basically fulfill practical functions in the daily activities of the Fulani family. Cut into contains of various shapes and sizes, they are used for serving foods and drinks, for milking cattle and are carriers vessels. However, the decorated ones have additional value. They are highly prized objects of prestigious and aesthetic value. Used has containers for food and drink they embellish the service; as tools in the dairy trade they attract customers, thereby Women generally put on elaborate and colorful scarf around their head. However, among young women the care of the hair is the one aspect of personal adornment to which they pay much attention. For instance, during

the Diafarabe cattle crossing festival, one of the biggest Fulani festival in Mali, girls dress up to welcome their boyfriends when they return from months herding cattle in the desert. Most important to them are their hair decorations. They may take about four or five days to dress their hair for the festival, about two more days to plait the braids, and then two or three more to weave in the coins and the amber.
The hair styles are so elaborate that they are giving special names. The hair styles are elevated to the level of pure artistic form. The hair style depends on the locality, sex, age and social status. However, there may be preference for design which is convenient for their household activities which involve carrying loads on their heads. (See more on PDF)