Amasunzu

Last updated February 09, 2025

Amasunzu is an elaborate hairstyle traditionally worn by Rwandan men^[1] and unmarried women,^[2] with the hair styled into crests,^[1] frequently described as crescent-shaped.^[3] The hairstyle indicated social status, and men who did not wear Amasunzu were looked on with suspicion until the 20th century.^[1] The style was also worn by unmarried women after the age of 18–20 years, indicating that they are of marriageable age.^[3]^[2]

Use in Pop Culture

Tyler, the Creator's Chromakopia album cover features a traditional Amasunzu.

References

1 2 3 Umutesi, Marie Béatrice (2004). Surviving the slaughter the ordeal of a Rwandan refugee in Zaire . Madison, Wis.: University of Wisconsin Press. p. 8. ISBN 9780299204938 . Retrieved 21 January 2017.
1 2 Bamurangirwa, Patricia (2014). My Mother's Dreams. Troubador Publishing Ltd. p. 7. ISBN 9781784626693 . Retrieved 21 January 2017.
1 2 Mukasonga, Scholastique (2012). La femme aux pieds nus. Editions Gallimard. p. 77. ISBN 9782072464843 . Retrieved 21 January 2017.

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[umutesi-1] 1 2 3 Umutesi, Marie Béatrice (2004). Surviving the slaughter the ordeal of a Rwandan refugee in Zaire . Madison, Wis.: University of Wisconsin Press. p. 8. ISBN 9780299204938 . Retrieved 21 January 2017.

[dreams-2] 1 2 Bamurangirwa, Patricia (2014). My Mother's Dreams. Troubador Publishing Ltd. p. 7. ISBN 9781784626693 . Retrieved 21 January 2017.

[piedsnus-3] 1 2 Mukasonga, Scholastique (2012). La femme aux pieds nus. Editions Gallimard. p. 77. ISBN 9782072464843 . Retrieved 21 January 2017.

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