Traditional Hairstyles from the Fulani Cultural Area of Fouta Djallon
Dalaba, in the center of Fouta Djalon region, Republic of Guinea has been a stronghold of Islam. The Fulbe of Fouta Djallon spearheaded the expansion of Islam in the region. Regardless of this fact, the Fulbe of Dalaba have maintained and protected certain cultural aspects of their origins, which still coexist and are integrated with their Islamic beliefs. This is the case with the traditional hairstyles of their women, which they showcase at certain important events and of which they are very proud. These hairstyles are truly elaborate, beautiful, and intricate.
In our societies today, many local skills tend to disappear due to a lack of successors or
because the practices are considered outdated or unsuitable for the times.
Hairstyles figure prominently among these values. They are numerous, and not all have
the same significance or even the same interest among observers.
Here are some of 6 hairstyles that are typical of the Fouta Djallon region.
- The juubade (the French word for crest). This is the star of traditional Fulani hairstyles in Fouta Dallon and by far the most unusual. Its tall height makes it easy to distinguish the wearer, who thus distinguished herself by her nobility. The straighter the crest, the more it signifies that the headdress is worn by a princess of rank or a queen of the blood. The full bow is reserved for young girls, while married women wear a band that stops much higher on the head and a smaller bow that stops at the nape of the neck. The adornments that adorn the hairstyle, whether gold, silver, or bronze, also help to situate the wearer's rank within the social stratum.
- The Bougou. This type of braid is created by twisting the hair into two braids that start from the center of the head and end at the ears
- Bougou BertiHere. The principle of the hairstyle is exactly the same as the previous one. except for the number of braids, which are doubled for this last hairstyle.
- The Segou Bougou. This other hairstyle is very similar to the previous two in terms of design. Its distinctive feature is that the braids are wrapped around the ears.
- Doni Baali. This is a single braid that starts from the forehead and goes straight down to the nape of the neck. This braid is supported by a piece of cloth on which it rests to create a high braid.
- The Diampy. This hairstyle is created by soaking the hair in a type of resin resulting from a mixture of natural orange juice and nere seed juice.
