Abeba

Black hair care knowledge has persisted and evolved through wave after wave of attempts at erasing black communities. In honor of this history, this piece explores Black hair as a symbol of heritage and autonomy.

Hair care is learned from generation to generation, which is represented through three people at varied life stages: the elder, the mentor(young adult), and the child. The elder-mostly her afro--takes up the most space, reflecting the large cultural legacy of black hair. The mentor surrounds the child like a protective shield, nurturing their literal and cultural roots. The child’s hair is in a transition stage, as they are still developing their sense of self + hair care knowledge.