Twisted: The Tangled History of Black Hair Culture

Twisted: The Tangled History of Black Hair Culture is a groundbreaking book that explores the complex and fascinating history of black hair, from its origins in Africa to its present-day significance. Author Emma Dabiri draws on a wealth of research and personal anecdotes to weave a rich and nuanced narrative that challenges prevailing stereotypes and celebrates the beauty and diversity of black hair.

Twisted: The Tangled History of Black Hair Culture

by Emma Dabiri

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	17097 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	268 pages

FREE

Dabiri begins by tracing the history of black hair in Africa, where it was often seen as a symbol of beauty, power, and spirituality. She then follows the transatlantic slave trade, which brought millions of Africans to the Americas, where their hair was often forcibly cut off as a way to strip them of their identity and culture.

In the centuries that followed, black people in the Americas developed a rich and complex hair culture that was both a source of pride and a way to resist oppression. Dabiri explores the many different styles of black hair, from the elaborate cornrows and Bantu knots of West Africa to the dredlocks and afros of the Caribbean and the United States.

She also discusses the social and political significance of black hair, from the Jim Crow laws that prohibited black people from wearing their hair in certain styles to the natural hair movement of the 1960s and 1970s. Dabiri argues that black hair is more than just a physical attribute; it is a powerful symbol of identity, culture, and resistance.

Twisted is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of black culture, the politics of race and identity, or the beauty and diversity of human hair. Dabiri's writing is both informative and engaging, and she provides a fresh and nuanced perspective on a topic that has often been misunderstood and misrepresented.

Reviews

"Twisted is a groundbreaking book that challenges prevailing stereotypes and celebrates the beauty and diversity of black hair. Emma Dabiri's writing is both informative and engaging, and she provides a fresh and nuanced perspective on a topic that has often been misunderstood and misrepresented." - The New York Times

"Twisted is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of black culture, the politics of race and identity, or the beauty and diversity of human hair." - The Washington Post

"Twisted is a powerful and important book that will change the way you think about black hair." - Essence

About the Author

Emma Dabiri is a British-Nigerian writer, broadcaster, and academic. She is the author of the award-winning book Don't Touch My Hair, which explores the history and significance of black hair. Dabiri is a regular contributor to the Guardian and the BBC, and she has appeared on numerous television and radio shows to discuss race, identity, and culture.

Twisted: The Tangled History of Black Hair Culture

by Emma Dabiri

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	17097 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	268 pages

FREE