Amasunzu

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Tutsi man with Amasunzu hairstyle Tutsi herdsman.jpg
Tutsi man with Amasunzu hairstyle

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]

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References

  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.
  2. 1 2 Bamurangirwa, Patricia (2014). My Mother's Dreams. Troubador Publishing Ltd. p. 7. ISBN   9781784626693 . Retrieved 21 January 2017.
  3. 1 2 Mukasonga, Scholastique (2012). La femme aux pieds nus. Editions Gallimard. p. 77. ISBN   9782072464843 . Retrieved 21 January 2017.