Joy Okokon

My research began with a gifted wooden Afro comb and a braiding skill passed down through my family, which reconnected me to the rich history and cultural legacy of hair braiding. In Nigeria, hair has long carried stories and symbolized healing, blessing, and protection. During the fifteenth century, braiding patterns even encoded escape routes for enslaved people. As an onidiri (one who braids) and ceramic mixed media artist, I explore the parallels between textured hair and clay—both malleable and transformative. My series, Exploring the Cultural Significance of Hair Braiding in Nigeria, reflects on childhood memories of bonding during braiding sessions within Nigerian groups like the Efik, Yoruba, and Igbo. These moments were rich with storytelling and cultural exchange. My sculptures honor traditional hairstyles such as Shuku, Koroba, and Koju Soko, each carrying meanings of purity, womanhood, and social status, preserving these narratives for future generations.

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