Wednesday 20 August 2014

The 'Rapunzel's' Of Africa.

Some of us have read this children's story book, 'Rapunzel'.
So, I introduce to you our very own African Rapunzels from the Mbalantu tribe of Namibia. Around the age of twelve (12) years, the Mbalantu girls use thick layers of finely ground tree bark of the omutyuula tree and oil. A mixture that is said to be the secret to growing their hair to such length.
The hair is not loosened until several years later. It is then made visible and braided and styled into various gravity- defying headdresses throughout their life.
This hairstyle is called Eembuvi braids.
Don't you think this can be our very own Brazilian, Peruvian, Malaysian hair?





Sunday 17 August 2014

HAMAS TRIBE OF ETHIOPIA.

There is a tribe in Africa that practice tradition and culture that are very unique but extreme. They are the Hamer tribe of Southern Ethiopia. Bull jumping; the traditional rite passage for men coming of age is a huge ceremony in Hamer. Seven (7) to ten(10) castrated bulls are lined up and each man must jump over each bull four(4) times completely nude without falling. When he has successfully completed the jumping, the man now is eligible to join the ranks of the Maza.
During this ceremony, the women come out in their numbers to witness the bull jumping, blowing their horns, calling on the men to whip them on their bare buttered backs. In all honesty, i believe in keeping traditions and cultures alive but this is quite hard to accept. Surprisingly, these women even fight over who will be whipped first, who can endure the pain and who will be the strongest bride for the bull jumpers. They believe that the scars from the whipping are a symbol of devotion to the men.
Well, what more can I say, other than, this is Africa with its people, culture and places.

Sunday 10 August 2014

The Name Africa.

The Name Africa.
From the earliest Egyptian sources, officially dated 2500 Bc, Kh-afre, fourth king of the 4th dynasty shows that an early Egyptian king beared the name 'Africa',' Kh-Afre-Kh'. Afre-Kh or Kh-Afre simply means Kh of ophir or "spirit of Africa". Interesting right?
This is just a tip of the iceberg. I will bring you more on the origination of the name Africa and so much more on this beautiful continent, Africa, showing you its culture, tourist sites, people, places and her fashion and style.