#Ghana Twist

[bestwigscollection]

Ghana Twist Wigs: A Stylish and Affordable Way to Change Up Your Look

Ghana Twist wigs are a popular choice for women who want a stylish and versatile way to change up their looks. These wigs are made from twisted strands of hair that are sewn together to create a natural-looking, voluminous style. Ghana Twist wigs come in a variety of colours, lengths, and styles, so you can find one that perfectly suits your taste.

Why Choose a Ghana Twist Wig?

There are many reasons why you might choose a Ghana Passion Twist wig. Here are just a few:

They're stylish and versatile: Ghana Twist wigs can be styled in a variety of ways, so you can find a look that suits your personal style. You can wear them straight, curly, or with waves. You can also add accessories, such as beads or flowers, to your wig to create a more unique look.

They're affordable: Ghana Twist wigs are a more affordable option than human hair wigs. You can find them for a fraction of the price of a human hair wig, and they still look great.

They're easy to care for: Ghana Twist wigs are easy to care for. You can wash them regularly with a wig shampoo and conditioner, and you can style them with heat tools.

They're a great way to protect your natural hair: If you have natural hair that is prone to damage, a Ghana Twist wig can be a great way to protect it. Ghana Twist wigs can also be used to cover up hair loss or thinning hair.

How to Choose a Ghana Twist Wig

If you're considering buying a Ghana Passion Twist wig, there are a few factors you'll need to take into account to choose the best one for you. Here's a guide to help you make the right decision:

Consider your hair type and texture: Ghana Twist wigs are best suited for women with medium to coarse hair. If you have fine hair, you may find that the twists are too tight and pull on your hair. If you have very curly hair, you may need to straighten it before styling it into Ghana twists.

Choose the right length and colour: Ghana Twist wigs come in a variety of lengths, from short bobs to long, flowing styles. Choose a length that flatters your face shape and that you feel comfortable wearing. You can also choose a wig in your natural hair colour or in a fun, new shade.

Decide on the style of wig you want: Ghana Twist wigs can be styled in a variety of ways. You can wear them straight, curly, or with waves. You can also add accessories, such as beads or flowers, to your wig to create a more unique look.

Choose the right quality wig: Ghana Twist wigs can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. The quality of the wig will depend on the materials used, the construction of the wig, and the brand. If you want a wig that will last for years, you'll need to invest in a high-quality wig.

Read reviews before you buy: Before you buy a Ghana Twist wig, be sure to read reviews from other customers. This will give you an idea of the quality of the wig, the fit, and the style. You can find reviews on websites, forums, and social media.

Buy from a reputable seller: There are many sellers of Ghana Twist wigs online. Not all sellers are created equal, so be sure to buy from a reputable seller. Look for a seller with a good reputation and that offers a money-back guarantee.

Taking Care of Your Ghana Passion wist Wig

To keep your Ghana Passion Twist wig looking its best, be sure to take care of it properly. Here are a few tips:

Wash your wig regularly. Use a wig shampoo and conditioner that is designed for synthetic hair.

Brush your wig regularly. This will help to prevent tangles.

Store your wig properly. When you're not wearing your wig, store it in a wig bag or box. This will help to protect it from dust and dirt.

Conclusion

Ghana Twist wigs are a stylish and affordable way to change up your look. With so many styles and colours to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect wig to flatter your face and enhance your natural beauty. By following the tips above, you can keep your Ghana Passion Twist wig looking its best for years to come.

If you want to check their website, ExpressBeautyOnline.

[hongtonie]

as far as i can tell, anyone can sign the petition here. my autofill was on so i'm not sure if it's limited to some areas. as of posting this the petition is at 68,500 out of 100,000 and as far as i can tell you can sign it as many times as you want

edit: i tried signing and reloading the page and the number didn't go up but i got emails thanking me for signing, so i'm not sure whether they count

[akuawaist]

Introducing Efya Gems | The Adinkra Collection 🇬🇭✨

18k Gold Tooth Gems embodying the traditional Adinkra symbols originating from Ghana.

Shot in Ghana, this photo series encapsulates the essence of the gems, which seamlessly blend the traditional with the modern. It reflects the ability of today’s youth to draw from what has been passed down through generations, reinventing it with their own unique twist.

Photography: @askboox

Creative direction: @lissakes @askboox

Talent: @krys_ken @isurboi_protein1

Hair: @ kisse.h

Styling: @playboy_holali @half_dbee_

[cupiidzbow]

i used to have such long hair i used to get Ghana locs and twists that went down to my back so often now that i cut all my hair off i don’t even remember what it’s like anymore don’t think I ever want my hair long again ( it was sensory hell ) 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 though I am curious what my sona would look with them ……. I need to go look at old photos ……….( thinking monkey )

[gretahayes]

I just think that people should try different hairstyles for black characters. You can't just go with the afro/straight hair/generic Braids (ignoring there's like a billion types of braids)/dreads. There's wicks there's twists there's didi there's kinki/kinky twists there's goddess braids there's brick braids there's knotless braids there's those annoying fucking side braids that look cute but are sensory hell there's feed-in braids there's snake braids there's so many crochet styles there's Ghana braids there's triangle box braids there's cornrows that turn into box braids there's braided buns there's like three million things you can do with cornrows there's so many black hairstyles that aren't being used cause people just don't care enough to research or think they're too hard to do

[didierleclair]

Maryse Condé, a great lady is gone

The work of the writer Maryse Condé, who died on April 2, 2024, at the age of 90, is colossal. I will say a few words about it. This is the journey of a free black woman.

She was born in Guadeloupe and her name was Marise Liliane Appoline Boucolon. She studied in France, lived in Guinea, Ghana and Senegal. She will end her career in the United States as professor at Colombia University.

I discovered her writings with Ségou (1984). It is a two-volume saga about the decline of the Bambara kingdom of Ségou 200 years ago. This kingdom includes present-day Mali. The story ends with the arrival of French colonizers at the end of the 19th century. We follow the destiny of four Traoré brothers. The two volumes are well written, and the ambitious work keeps its promises. There are multiple intrigues and extraordinary destinies against the backdrop of the slavery trade which left its mark on Africa and sent millions of Africans to the four corners of the world.

Maryse Condé has published around thirty novels, plays and essays in her long career. The author was prolific and won numerous prestigious literary awards for her work.

I have not read all of her work, but I had great respect for her because of her ability to attack the faults of the former colonists as well as those of patriarchal, chauvinistic and authoritarian black men.

“Moi, Tituba sorcière” (1986) is another novel that I liked. This is a character inspired by a woman who existed. Tituba, a young slave of the Puritan pastor Samuel Parris, was accused of being one of the Salem witches in 1692 during a trial. It is a story rich in twists and turns that the great writer offers us, and we witness the persecution of Tituba. Beyond the irrational reaction of village women to a black woman healer, there is Tituba the slave who has a memorable destiny. Maryse Condé thus rehabilitates Tituba, whom American writers had thrown into oblivion.

Another beautiful work is “Traversée de la Mangrove” (1989). In this story that happens in one night, people come together to talk about a dead man in Guadeloupe that everyone thinks they know but that no one really knows. At the heart of this work is the question of the identity of the West Indians and even of the Africans in general.

In addition, I will say a word about “En attendant la montée des eaux” (2010). This work is about the destiny of black men. These are characters in search of a peaceful path, after exile, persecution and wandering. It is an ode to masculine friendship.

Apart from the novels, her plays were also very successful. 

To understand her work, we must follow the upheavals of the black diaspora. She drops stones in her path, nuggets of gold that give a multiple image of what it means to be Black. For Maryse Condé, being from the diaspora or from Africa at 21It is century does not mean the same challenges in the world. That said, she wants to make her work a link between those descended from slaves and those coming directly from the black continent. After all, mainly the West has disrupted the modern history of these Blacks.

For her, negritude was a chimerical movement, which claimed that all black people looked the same. The writer shows throughout her stories that we must move away from stereotypical concepts of what it means to be part of the black community.

For Maryse Condé, Traoré did not dream like Ovid. Tituba did not have the same conception of the world as Ayodélé. Her characters, sometimes contemporary or ancient, remain inhabited by their own dreams and above all, they each face the challenges of life in their own way.

In her interviews, Maryse Condé always got to the point.

“At the beginning, I was a disciple of Aimé Césaire. I believed in Negritude. To me, all black people of all “races” were my brothers and sisters. Then I realized that African-Americans did not accept me. Despite my black skin, I came from elsewhere; I had other references, another story. »

It is a strong, uncompromising statement. However, she kept her ex-husband's last name (Condé) because she loved Africa. She made the difference between having been hurt by Africans and being African at heart: “The pride of being black, the pride of being a woman, the pride of being what I am, it was Africa that brought it to me. »

This is not a contradiction. Maryse Condé brings this subtlety to understand the Black world. She drew on her experience and allowed herself to give essential nuances to the spirit of identity of black people. Not to divide them but to prepare them for a better understanding between them and above all to allow them to reconcile over unintentional injuries.

A great lady is gone.

Didier Leclair, writer

[ptseti]

Typical African on Twitter

@Joe__Bassey

THE AFRICAN ORIGIN OF BRAIDING The origin of braids can be traced back 5000 years in African culture to 3500 BC—they were very popular among women. Braiding started in Africa with the Himba people of Namibia. The country’s Mbalantu ethnicity uses eembuvi braids as an initiation into womanhood – our first examples of single braids or “box braids". In Angola, among certain tribes, hair grooming was an activity trusted only by other family members — something that women were taught at a young age and encouraged to participate in throughout their lives to promote womanhood. The origins of the ever-popular Bantu Knots have been traced to the Bantu people who exist across central and Southern Africa. “South Africa’s “Zulu Knots” are said to be the original manifestation of the style, and South Africa is also credited for the invention of “Box braids”, with evidence of the style being traced back to 3500 BCE. Braiding’s roots in East Africa have been traced back to 3500 BC, with cornrows (called Kolese braids in Yoruba) maintaining the top spot in popularity for just as long. Historically, Somali women have been recorded donning long, small braids when approaching puberty. Ethiopia has maintained an admirably close relationship with its traditional forms of braiding. In the Southwestern Omo Valley, the Hamar people have perfected their hairstyles as a means to dictate male worth and female marital status. The importance of braids in communicating identity is a rich part of Uganda’s history, too. In Kenya, the Maasi and Kikuyu tribes have donned their famed matted braids, intricate beading, and gold detailings ever since. West Africa boasts an abundance of hair braiding styles, many of which have influenced global African culture and trends for decades. The Fula people, whose 30 million strong population exists across West Africa, gifted the world with Fulani braids. In Ghana, the iconic Banana or Ghana braids have gained favor for their easy application, upkeep, and excellence in providing protection to natural Black hair. The first examples of this way of braiding are traced back to hieroglyphics and sculptures found around 500 BC. Similarly, Nigeria’s rich history of braiding can be traced back to a clay sculpture dated to 500 BCE depicting a cornrowed member of the Nok tribe. Mali's Dogon people has various spiritual idols depicting cornrowed spiritual leaders, and the retained tradition of The Dama dance have allowed us the privilege of understanding the bewildering society that contributed to our understanding of our universe. In Sierra Leone, Mende people's hair is closely tied to femininity and is juxtaposed with the way forests grow out of the Earth – the vegetation covering Mother Earth grows skyward the way Afro-textured hair grows out of the head. Senegal’s Senegalese Twists or “Rao” as they’re known locally came in vogue as an alternative means of creating individual, long braids – if locs or “box braids” aren’t your style. Gambian warriors were known to march off to war with tightly coiled braids, too. The Mangbetu people of the Democratic Republic of Congo, known for their practice of wrapping their skulls into a cone shape from infancy, locally referred to as “Lipombo, ” the elongated heads were then adorned with braids plaited into a crowned, basket shape called edamburu. Cameroon’s bountiful Fulani community has kept many of their hair traditions well and alive, while the region’s Bantu population participated in the popularity of the now-famed ‘Bantu knots’. In Chad, women of the Basara ethnicity are known for their thick, long, luscious hair – often plaited into waist-long individual braids. In Kemet around 1600 BCE, hair braiding amongst women of royalty, nobility, and concubines was adorned with gold, beads, and perfumed grease, while common folk kept to simpler styles necessary to get work done. #Africa

[shibainu2006]

Twisted Wonderland Tamashina-Muina event! New outfit!

I went based on Ghana's clothes and mixed the design with Nala's outfit from The Lion King Broadway. A few other patterns were taken from Vil and Leona's outfits and added to it as well.

I also added a ribbon to her side to accommodate for the presence of Grim.

Her jewelry is gold ✨️

@killersweetie

@love-thanatopsis

@moonsforher

@the-dumber-scaramouche

@b0nkers-papaya

@vtoriacore @vtoriacore-rbs

[flanfrog]

STOP I literally had a white hs history teacher recommended I visit Africa sometime as a "heritage trip" and I was like......do you really think my black ass knows where in Africa my ancestors were from? I 😧

No it's so sick and twisted bc white people created conditions in the global south that allowed for diasporas to exist through slavery, war, resource draining etc and then tell us to go back/visit those places like hello???

I went through something similar I remember in high school I literally had a white teacher tell me I should visit Ghana to see "my people's" culture. like do you think every enslaved african person was from Ghana.? are you like. dumb?

[bestwigscollection]

The Beauty of Passion Twist Wigs: A Guide

If you are looking for a new way to spice up your hairstyle, you might want to consider passion twist wigs. Ghana twist Passion twist wigs are a type of crochet wig that features twists made from Ghana twist hair, which is a synthetic hair that mimics the texture and look of natural hair. Passion twist wigs are versatile, easy to install, and give you a stunning look in minutes.

What are the benefits of passion twist wigs?

Passion twist wigs have many advantages over other types of wigs, such as:

They are lightweight and comfortable to wear. Unlike bulky or heavy wigs, passion twist wigs are made from thin, soft hair that does not weigh down your scalp or cause headaches.

They are protective and low-maintenance. Passion twist wigs can protect your natural hair from heat, chemicals, and manipulation while also saving you time and money on styling products and tools. You can wash and condition your wig as needed and refresh the twists with water or mousse.

They are customizable and fashionable. You can choose from different lengths, colors, and styles of passion twist wigs to suit your preference and mood. You can also accessorize your wig with beads, clips, or headbands to add some flair. Passion twist wigs are trendy and can give you a bohemian, chic, or edgy look.

How to install passion twist wigs?

Installing passion twist wigs is easy and requires no braiding or sewing skills. You only need a crochet hook, a wig cap, and bobby pins. Here are the steps to follow:

First, prepare your natural hair by washing, conditioning, and detangling it. Then, apply some moisturizer and oil to seal in the moisture and protect your hair from friction.

Next, put on a wig cap that matches your skin tone and secure it with some bobby pins. Ensure the wig cap covers your hairline and fits snugly on your head.

Then, take your passion twist wig and locate the loops at the base of each twist. Use a crochet hook to insert the hook through the wig cap and pull the loop. Then, pull the ends of the twist through the loop to secure it. Repeat this process until you cover the entire wig cap with twists.

Finally, trim any excess hair or adjust the length of the twists as desired. You can also style your wig by creating a side part, a middle part, or a half-up half-down look.

Why choose passion twist wigs?

Passion twist wigs have many benefits that make them a great choice for anyone who wants to try a new and fashionable hairstyle. Some of the benefits are:

They are easy to install. You can install a passion twist wig in less than an hour by using a crochet hook to attach the pre-twisted hair to a cornrowed wig cap. You can also customize the wig by cutting, trimming, or adding accessories to the twists.

They are low maintenance. You don't have to worry about retwisting or moisturizing the wig, as the synthetic hair does not require much care. You can simply wash the wig with mild shampoo and conditioner once every two weeks and let it air dry completely before wearing it again.

They are versatile. You can style your passion twist wig in many different ways, such as half-up, half-down, ponytails, buns, braids, or updos. You can also change the color of the wig by using temporary hair dye or spray.

They are protective. Wearing a passion twist wig can protect your natural hair from heat, chemicals, and manipulation. You can also give your natural hair a break from styling and let it grow healthy and strong underneath the wig.

Where to buy passion twist wigs?

If you want to buy passion twist wigs, you can check out Expressbeautyonline, an online store specializing in high-quality synthetic hair products. Expressbeautyonline offers a variety of passion twist wigs in different lengths, colors, and styles. You can also find other crochet wigs, such as box braids, faux locs, and Senegalese twists.

Expressbeautyonline is your one-stop shop for all your synthetic hair needs. You can enjoy fast shipping, affordable prices, and excellent customer service when you order from them. You can get 10% off your first order when you sign up for their newsletter.

Benefits of Passion twist wigs

Passion twist wigs have many benefits, such as:

They are easy to install and remove, saving you time and money on salon visits.

They are lightweight and comfortable, allowing your scalp to breathe and preventing tension headaches.

They are protective and low-maintenance, keeping your natural hair from damage and breakage.

They are customizable and fashionable, giving you the freedom to choose the length, color, and style of your passion twist wig.

Conclusion

Passion twist wigs are a trendy and versatile hairstyle that can give you a stunning look for any occasion. They are easy to install, low maintenance, versatile, and protective. You can find high-quality passion twist wigs online at Expressbeautyonline.com, which is an online store that specializes in crochet wigs and braids. Expressbeautyonline.com offers a wide range of passion twist wigs in different colors, lengths, and densities.

If you are looking for a way to spice up your look with a trendy and versatile hairstyle, you might want to consider passion twist wigs. Passion twist wigs are a type of crochet wig that features twists made from Ghana twist hair, which is a synthetic hair that mimics the texture of natural hair. Passion twist wigs are easy to install, maintain, and style, and they can give you a stunning look that is perfect for any occasion. If you want to check tier reviews, visit Expressbeautyonline.

[burlveneer-music]

Afla Sackey & Afrik Bawantu - Destination

Wah Wah 45s are proud to present the debut LP on the label from Ghanaian vocalist and djembe drummer Afla Sackey. With his band Afrik Bawantu, he has fulfilled the dream of blending traditional Ghanaian music with sizzling Afrobeat grooves, topping it off with an irresistibly funky twist! Their unique blend of vibrant African rhythms with brisk, animated horn sections and heavy bass-lines bring a fresh perspective to the Afrobeat genre. Afrik Bawantu released their debut EP, Noko Hewon, back in 2013 to much critical acclaim, and went on to be nominated in the World Music Network’s charts. In 2014 they released their debut LP, Life On The Street, which showcased the original style of Afla’s compositions, as well as his group of gifted musicians. Afla himself was born in Ghana and started his creative life as a dancer with the country’s famous Bukom Ensemble, known for their infectious folk-driven rhythms. His elders soon soon recognised the musical potential of young Afla and encouraged him with careful guidance and training. This provided the foundations upon which Sackey has developed his career in music and dance. Upon moving to London, which was made possible by the Kakasitsi Master Drummers Of Ghana, Afla undertook a masters degree at Guildhall college, from which he graduated in 2012. With his wealth of experience in music and dance, Afla went on to become an inspiring educator, providing workshops and training to a diverse range of students from primary schools to universities. He has taught Afrobeat and Afro Jazz at the Royal Academy of Music where he still often appears as a guest lecturer, as well as acting as a workshop facilitator in places as far flung as Japan, Singapore and Argentina. Afla is a great collaborator, and has worked with legendary artists such as the Sun Ra Arkestra, Ginger Baker and Tony Allen, as well as his contemporary projects with Ibibio Sound Machine, Sons Of Kemet, Dele Sosimi, The Estuary 21, Eparapo and his most recent Afro-electronic project with producer Raz Olsher - Raz & Afla.  Afla Sackey - Percussion, lead vocals Louis Pocock - Drums James Wilson - Bass Oscar Jerome - Lead guitar Henry Lawry - Trumpet, backing vocal Jack Thrush - Tenor sax Harry Greene - Baritone sax, rhythm guitar Axel Kaner Lidstrom - Trumpet Andrew Woolf - Tenor sax Laura Mills - Backing vocals Alexis Krainou - Guitar solo on Sane Ye Written,arranged and produced by Afla Sackey Artwork by Tokio Aoyama

[hero-israel]

To you, I don’t expect that “90%” to change based on what you have told me, what I know, and what I have learned. I still find both Liberia and Israel to be audacious things that needed more thought and planning. That could have been executed in better ways as you have pointed out in the past.

To the other anon, NO we did not ASK for Liberia. As Hero-Israel pointed it Liberia was a idea created by white people to get us out. There was a protest organized by black activists against it. There were books written against it. HOWEVER people still went some of them were free black people and the others were enslaved. The movement is largely considered a failure. There were a lot of reasons for it, the lack of knowledge of the land, lack of knowledge of the language, the wars (why were their wars if the land was purchased… people lived there), and disease that the immune system of these people where not prepared for. Failure. From what I’ve heard like 5% of the people there are descendants from the original AA. So YES between living with the racist people of the 1800s who wanted them gone and/or being enslaved a minority of already free people went and a lot of enslaved people went. I am still going to say we didn’t ASK for it even if people “took advantage” I’m 98% pretty sure AA didn’t create the idea, that doesn’t mean people did not go.

During the 20th century there was a movement that supported going back to Africa and still few people left. I actually would LOVE to live in Africa but NOT by force. I HAVE reconnected to my family in Africa specifically in Ghana.

It was all discouraged and not supported? But it still happened and happens, you admitted that it still happens. You’re not all evil, to think an entire population is evil (including myself) is stupid. Maybe you specifically are delusional because the reality of war is that these things did happen at some points, we have soldiers that attested to it.

Israel was not built from nothing we have photos showing that it was not a desert in the middle of nowhere and we have records. There were people living there the Ottoman Empire was ruling the land before it collapsed you think they built nothing there? There was a airport.

What people were imprisoned? Look it up. You seem to know so much, if I look it up I get the answer that thousands of Palestinians were prisoners of war. Maybe that’s wrong, maybe you’ll find something that says absolutely no one was ever imprisoned.

I am Jewish as well (I’m mixed descended from mixed people) my family got a invite back to Spain because we were chased out during the inquisition, even if I wasn’t Jewish I’m allowed a opinions on things. My opinion is a grand both things are audacious and poorly executed.

For the furniture thing I was referring to our hair being used to stuff pillows, you know things still found at thrift stores today. I’ve heard about the human leather but I’ve never seen proof. I might believe it considering everything else but whatever. Perhaps I should have pointed to how you could rent our babies for 2 dollars and use them as gator bait, that there’s postcard for it.

You got your knickers in a twist and made a whole lot of assumptions about me. I do know about the push for America-Liberian settlement, it was failure. I do know about Zionist history apparently more than you, considering you didn’t know people were imprisoned.

Fair to include a retort from the original anon.

[moneeb0930]

THE AFRICAN ORIGIN OF BRAIDING

The origin of braids can be traced back 5000 years in African culture to 3500 BC—they were very popular among women. Braiding started in Africa with the Himba people of Namibia. The country’s Mbalantu tribe uses eembuvi braids as an initiation into womanhood – our first examples of single braids or “box braids". In Angola, among certain tribes, hair grooming was an activity trusted only by other family members — something that women were taught at a young age and encouraged to participate in throughout their lives to promote womanhood. The origins of the ever-popular Bantu Knots have been traced to the Bantu people who exist across central and Southern Africa. “South Africa’s “Zulu Knots” are said to be the original manifestation of the style, and South Africa is also credited for the invention of “Box braids”, with evidence of the style being traced back to 3500 BCE. Braiding’s roots in East Africa have been traced back to 3500 BC, with cornrows (called Kolese braids in Yoruba) maintaining the top spot in popularity for just as long. Historically, Somali women have been recorded donning long, small braids when approaching puberty.

Ethiopia has maintained an admirably close relationship with its traditional forms of braiding. In the Southwestern Omo Valley, the Hamar tribe have perfected their hairstyles as a means to dictate male worth and female marital status. The importance of braids in communicating identity is a rich part of Uganda’s history, too. In Kenya, the Maasi and Kikuyu tribes have donned their famed matted braids, intricate beading, and gold detailings ever since. West Africa boasts an abundance of hair braiding styles, many of which have influenced global African culture and trends for decades. The Fula people, whose 30 million strong population exists across West Africa, gifted the world with Fulani braids. In Ghana, the iconic Banana or Ghana braids have gained favor for their easy application, upkeep, and excellence in providing protection to natural Black hair. The first examples of this way of braiding are traced back to hieroglyphics and sculptures found around 500 BC. Similarly, Nigeria’s rich history of braiding can be traced back to a clay sculpture dated to 500 BCE depicting a cornrowed member of the Nok tribe. Mali's Dogon tribe has various spiritual idols depicting cornrowed spiritual leaders, and the retained tradition of The Dama dance have allowed us the privilege of understanding the bewildering society that contributed to our understanding of our universe. In Sierra Leone, Mende people's hair is closely tied to femininity and is juxtaposed with the way forests grow out of the Earth – the vegetation covering Mother Earth grows skyward the way Afro-textured hair grows out of the head.

Senegal’s Senegalese Twists or “Rao” as they’re known locally came in vogue as an alternative means of creating individual, long braids – if locs or “box braids” aren’t your style. Gambian warriors were known to march off to war with tightly coiled braids, too. The Mangbetu people of the Democratic Republic of Congo, known for their practice of wrapping their skulls into a cone shape from infancy, locally referred to as “Lipombo, ” the elongated heads were then adorned with braids plaited into a crowned, basket shape called edamburu. Cameroon’s bountiful Fulani community has kept many of their hair traditions well and alive, while the region’s Bantu population participated in the popularity of the now-famed ‘Bantu knots’.

In Chad, women of the Basara Arab tribe are known for their thick, long, luscious hair – often plaited into waist-long individual braids. In Kemet around 1600 BCE, hair braiding amongst women of royalty, nobility, and concubines was adorned with gold, beads, and perfumed grease, while common folk kept to simpler styles necessary to get work done. Back in the day, braiding hair was considered a special ceremonial practice amongst Sudanese women, even holding the braiding “events” on specific days when female neighbors and friends were invited to partake.

Reference

African Tribes and the Cultural Significance of Braiding Hair". Bright Hub Education. 9 July 2011. Archived from the original on 1 September 2017. Retrieved 1 May 2018.

[azareeart]

Once upon a time, on the 2nd of March, amidst the green & rustic atmosphere of Barndoor beer garden in Osu, Accra, a litty time was had- Plant and Sip with Azaree. This love affair was a fusion of mixology and plant care, a carefully crafted experience.

We started with the Mix and Sip sessions, where participants made their own cocktails under the expert guidance of yours truly. Two delicious cocktails graced the menu: the Sweet Berry Lemonade and the Ginger Lemonade. The Sweet Berry Lemonade is a burst of flavors with sweet and sour notes, muddled fresh mint leaves, apple liqueur, berry gin, and a touch of mixed fruit jam, all topped off with a spritz of sprite. Our favorite thing about this girl is her deceptive sweetness, it's sneakily sweet yet packs a punch!

The latter, an original Azaree fan favorite but now with a local twist, featured homemade ginger syrup, zesty lemon juice, coconut vanilla syrup for a hint of sweetness, and the bold essence of ginger liqueur. What set this drink apart was its alcoholic base - the renowned Ghanaian spirit, Akpeteshie, made from fermented Palm wine adding a distinctive depth to the libation. This combination was to die for, and we absolutely loved hearing all the great reviews!

Transitioning from mixology to horticulture, we switched the conversation to plant care. Fresh cuttings of pothos and monstera were our green friends for the day, teaching us about nurturing new roots and ourselves. Sourced from Ahaban (ahabangh.com), these cuttings require a very simple routine; changing the water weekly until they sprout roots fit for replanting in soil.

Our favorite twist was that this nurturing ethos extends beyond plants into self-care rituals. Each water change becomes a gentle reminder to indulge in personal rejuvenation. Participants opted for diverse self-care practices, from long walks to soothing body scrubs, highlighting the importance of reconnecting with yourself no matter how crazy life gets.

The laughter-filled photos captured the Plant & Sip essence perfectly - great vibes, new skills, and a whole lot of fun. It was so clear that the experience fostered a deeper connection to nature and self-care.

We’re still savoring the amazing event, & we can’t wait to see you all at the next one, ‘See Thru My Ice,’ a nature photography and cocktail tasting experience. It will be an amazing evening celebrating the natural beauty of Ghana & the rich flavors of our Culture on the 30th of March at Buro in Osu. Hope to see you there 🥂

[kestrellady]

Reading Around the World Challenge

Read one book set in every country around the world

Ongoing Total: 49/195 Setting and Author: 34/195 Setting Only: 15/195

The StoryGraph Challenge Link

My guidelines for this challenge:

Books should be set primarily or entirely in that country. (No travelogues counting for multiple countries.)

Fiction is preferred, but memoirs are acceptable. No history books.

Magical Realism and Fantasy are acceptable, so long as the country is named and recognizable. (No high fantasy inspired by the country.)

Authors should be from that country, living there for a majority or large portion of their lives and closely identifying with the country.

Diaspora and descendant authors are on a case-by-case, with the above criteria in mind.

Please feel free to send me suggestions! I read primarily in English, but can also do intermediate Spanish, so I'm interested in adding some Spanish language books to the list. Let me know if you disagree with my characterization of any authors or have suggestions for an author from a particular country.

Full list under the cut.

Setting and Author

Afghanistan - The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini Not generally a fan of literary fiction, but I actually didn't hate this! A more hopeful ending than I expected.

Albania - The Ghost Rider by Ismail Kadare This did not end at all how I expected. A quick and fascinating read.

Algeria - The Stranger by Albert Camus & The Meursault Investigation by Kamel Daoud Interesting to read these two together, and glad to have the literary background, but not really my thing.

Angola - A General Theory of Oblivion by Jose Eduardo Agualusa, Trans. Daniel Hahn A bunch of intertwined stories centered around Angola's independence and the following decades. I'm not sure I would call this magical realism, but it kinda has that feel to it.

Antigua and Barbuda - A Small Place by Jamaica Kincaid Fascinating long essay that is a must read for tourists, particularly those traveling in the Caribbean.

Argentina - Mouthful of Birds by Samanta Schweblin Collection of horror and adjacent short stories.

Armenia - Three Apples Fell from the Sky by Narine Abgaryan, translated by Lisa C. Hayden A dying village on a mountain finds a reason to keep going. It's got that slight fairy/folktale feel to it that commonly gets called "magical realism."

Australia - The Things She's Seen by Ambelin and Ezekiel Kwaymullina Surprisingly sweet and wonderfully clever. Really enjoyed this one!

Cambodia - Music of the Ghosts by Vaddey Ratner This is a really lovely novel about healing after tragedy and finding your home again after it's been destroyed.

Colombia - Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel García Márquez I preferred 100 Years of Solitude, but this is the novel more firmly set in Colombia.

Cuba - The Tower of the Antilles by Achy Obejas A volume of short stories exploring life in Cuba and in the US as an immigrant from Cuba. Not my favorite short story collection, but there were a couple that were really evocative.

France - The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas Read an abridgement that made me want to go back and read the unabridged version. Liked this better than The Three Musketeers.

Ghana - Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi Literary, but enjoyable! The back and forth twining of the storylines was used to really good effect.

India - A Suitable Boy by Vikram Seth This is billed as a romance, but don't believe it. It's long, the links between the storylines aren't always clear, and it's a "realistic" ending.

Ireland - Dubliners by James Joyce These are... meh? More like vignettes than short stories. And very "everyone is unhappy."

Italy - The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco This was really interesting! I feel like I need to read it again to really get all the twists and turns.

Japan - The Travelling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa This was so sweet! And bittersweet. Just generally lovely.

Kenya - Unbowed by Wangari Maathai An interesting memoir by a remarkable woman.

Malawi - The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Meler A fascinating story of how ingenuity, persistence, and small changes can profoundly change a community.

Malaysia - The Ghost Bride by Yangsze Choo I really liked this one! A good spooky mystery with great fantasy/folklore elements.

Mexico - Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia Loved this book! Great horror story.

Netherlands - The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank Important, but sad work.

New Zealand - Quiet in Her Bones by Nalini Singh Thriller filled with interesting if not always likeable characters and a somewhat unreliable narrator.

Nigeria - Noor by Nnedi Okorafor Not my favorite of Okorafor's works, but a fascinating near-future sci-fi.

Norway - Kristin Lavransdatter by Sigrid Undset Not a happy story, but well written and engrossing, even at over a thousand pages.

Pakistan - Unmarriageable by Soniah Kamal A retelling of Pride and Prejudice set in Pakistan. I loved the way that Pakistani culture was woven through and enhanced the original plot and themes. A really good read!

Poland - Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead by Olga Tokarczuk Interesting mystery if not ultimately quite my thing.

Russia - War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy Yes, I did read the unabridged version. Yes, you should definitely find the abridged version.

Rwanda - Our Lady of Kibeho by Immaculée Ilibagiza First hand accounts of a little known Marian apparition in Rwanda.

Singapore - Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan Enjoyed this and its sequels. Less a romance and more intertwined stories of a family dynasty.

Switzerland - Heidi by Johanna Spyri Classic children's novel.

Syria - The Map of Salt and Stars by Zeyn Joukhadar Sad and lyrical. A great exploration of the legends and towns of North Africa. (This one barely counts as mostly set in Syria.)

United Kingdom - Persuasion by Jane Austen Lots to choose from, but officially using my favorite Jane Austen.

United States of America - The House of the Seven Gables by Nathaniel Hawthorne Weird story, beautiful prose.

Setting Only

Austria - The Star of Kazan by Eva Ibbotson Read this as a kid and remember really liking it. Should probably find one that I actually remember....

Canada - Hatchet by Gary Paulsen Very formative of my childhood, so I had to include it.

China - The Bonesetter's Daughter by Amy Tan I remember this being one of my favorite's of Amy Tan but not much more.

Cyprus - Othello by William Shakespeare Apparently this one counts? This play has good speeches but is not great for a modern audience.

Democratic Republic of the Congo - The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver Had to read this for class in high school and can't say I enjoyed it.

Egypt - River God by Wilbur Smith Definitely one of my favorites out of my Wilbur Smith phase.

Greece - The Magus by John Fowles Really weird book that's on the BBC Top 100 books for some reason?

Romania - Hunting Prince Dracula by Kerri Maiscalco Book 2 in this YA series with main characters and a romance I love.

Solomon Islands - Devil-Devil by Graeme Kent This was a really fun mystery that centers the clash of traditional, modern, and colonial societies.

South Africa - The Woman Next Door by Yewande Omotoso Fun little neighborhood drama.

South Korea - Wicked Fox by Kat Cho Really enjoyed this YA novel set in Seoul. Good fantasy and interesting moral dilemmas.

Vatican City - Angels and Demons by Dan Brown Easily my favorite Dan Brown. Though the sequels get a little off the rails. (Not sure anyone counts as a native of Vatican City?)

Vietnam - The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien Short stories inspired by the author's time in the Vietnam War.

Yemen - Don't Be Afraid of the Bullets by Laura Kasinof A budding journalist describes her experience in Yemen during the Arab Spring.

Zimbabwe - A Girl Named Disaster by Nancy Farmer Loved this book as a kid, it's one that really stuck with me over the years.

To Be Read

Andorra, Azerbaijan, The Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Côte d'Ivoire, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, Comoros, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czechia (Czech Republic), Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, Gabon, The Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, North Korea, North Macedonia, Oman, Palau, Palestine, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of the Congo, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, São Tomé and Príncipe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Slovakia, Slovenia, Somalia, South Sudan, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Sweden, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Zambia

[deadporg]

I feel like taking the DNA test made me think about how I've always felt detached from my Africaness. And don't get it twisted, not my blackness. Growing up in Atlanta, I've always had a strong understanding of being black, but Africa felt like such a foreign concept. In high school, we had a cultural day, and I decided to wear what I thought were "African clothes." My uncle's grandfather (not my great-grandfather) was a Pan-African and had recently passed. Throughout his life, he collected a lot of African attire to embrace his ethnic heritage. As a follower of Garvey, he came from probably the first mainstream wave of African Americans taking pride in their Africaness. He had clothes from Ghana, South Africa, Zimbabwe. I feel like there was less an emphasis on ethnic or tribal specificity due to colonization, and partially due to The West's portrayal of Africa being one large, homogenous mass, so he truly did embrace a pan-African aesthetic. Anyway, I was wearing his handed down African attire, along with a kente cloth. Power clashing despite my good intentions. I walked into AP Physics class, where majority of the black population were the children of African immigrants. They asked me the question I became very familiar with when I moved to New York, "What are you?" To which I responded, "Oh, I'm not African." A biracial Indian-Czech girl retorted with genuine confusion, "but you are though." To be honest, I was kinda annoyed by that response, but in a sense she's right. However at the same time she didn't completely understand where I was coming from. I am of African origin, but I'm not African. When I think back on my annoyance with her response, was I more perturbed by her willingness to speak in black people's business or the implication of me being African?

There is no secret that xenophobia is a prominent part of African American life, especially in areas where black immigrants are few and far between. Although I grew up with a strong pride in what it means to be black in America, it was still fair game to mock Africaness. Growing up being called African was an insult, from black children to other black children. I feel like the dissociation we had to our ethnic heritage mixed with the West's infantilization and exotification of Africa led to where most black people could acknowledge that's where we came from, but still viewed Africa as primitive and underdeveloped.

That moment in Physics class was when I realized that the black diaspora is very complex and unique from the diaspora of any other ethnic group. From my experience talking to first/second generation non-black Americans of color, the disconnection they feel with their ethnic or cultural origin is usually based in immigration and assimilation, but they still have a sense of knowing where their origins lie outside of America. They still have a connection to their homeland. For the black diaspora, immigration is still a large factor of the dispersement of black people, however, nearly every black person from the Americas was placed here against their will. Like for me, America is all I've got (which is so fucked up and grimy.) Even if I were to visit Nigeria one day, which I plan on doing eventually, I don't have any family or cultural ties to that region. They were stripped away from me hundreds of years ago. The more I think about it, it truly is so fucking sinister how Europeans did us. Like the next time white people complain about "blackwashing" or black people's "anger/attitude/tone" or general disdain for them, I want a white person to imagine if a family scooped up their family hundreds of years ago in broad daylight, stripped them of their language, culture, religion, and customs and forced them to adopt theirs. Then began treating their family like livestock, enslaving, beating, and assaulting them for hundreds of years. But even after your family is "freed" from slavery, the other family is rich off of the suffering of yours and continues to make life unreasonably difficult, continuing to treat your family as less than for the next hundred or so more years up until the present. Wouldn't it make sense to hold a grudge? Wouldn't it be at least reasonable to feel offended when they tell you "get over it, it was a long time ago?"

That right there is the worst thing about it, because of the evils of colonialism I am completely detached from my African origin and have over a quarter of European blood. Like I'm a person of African origin with a fucking European name. Every time I remember that I get so fucking angry.