Wearing your hair in its natural state is a statement in itself, however in the 70’s wearing a big and proud afro was a political statement. The addition of the black fist afro comb or pick to your mane was a proclamation representing black pride and identity. The comb features a clenched fist at the end symbolizing the fight for civil rights and identity. Another cultural artifact is the holy grail of natural hair, coconut oil. The delicious scent of coconut oil has become the scent of naturalistas everywhere. The smell of coconut oil and its connection to natural hair has led to a series of memes and jokes about having natural hair. The last cultural artifact that I want to discuss are braids. This hairstyle has long been representative of black culture. In the natural hair community this is known as a protective style. They allow an array of different ways to style your hair. One thing for sure is that braids have long been a symbol representative of black hair.
Not gonna lie, I love coconut oil. Also African black soap. I’m not even into natural hair and natural products, but I use it cause it clears up my skin. Natural products geared towards African Americans have become much more available in supermarkets. First, you have no idea how much this makes me happy. But more importantly, this is extremely significant. I remember my father telling me that the only way you could get some of these products is by going to a black beauty parlor or seeing if the barber sells them out the back. Supermarkets like Walmart, Publix and Target are not only listening to the needs of the African American community, but finally realizing there’s a market for natural hair products.
The comb as an African American status symbol was very significant in past years, especially in TV shows and Movies featuring African American culture. I haven’t seen many people were it recently, but it still stands as a type of status symbol for some.
I found a website with some of the old ’70s and ’80’s movies that feature characters with afros and afro combs.
http://askmeaboutmyhair.com/the-afro/
Braided hair is also something that has been deeply tied with African American culture. I wonder however, does it serve a purpose to protecting hair or keeping it together. Is it just a style or is their a practicality to it?
I think the comb is probably the most interesting artifact for this topic. While the braids and the coconut oil might be just as significant, the pick stands out to me. I feel that it’s a piece of re-appropriation in that it’s taking something that was seen as a stereotypical item and repurposing it to make it into a political and social statement. I think that’s fascinating and, in all honesty, pretty rad. I would like to know a little more about how braids can be a cultural artifact. I’m sure there’s something there, but it’d require some more explanation.