Take the Black Hair Culture Quiz

Have you ever started doing your hair for work and couldn’t decide between wearing a blowout or twisting it into Bantu knots? Was there any thought around what one hairstyle represented in Black culture versus the other?

Let’s jump back to the 1500s for a second. In Africa, braids were used as a communication tool between different communities and societies, a sacred way to hold on to identity. Today, it’s no secret that Black hairstyles are still used as a communication tool; they set the precedent for fashion, film, and TV all over the world.

It got us thinking… how much do we know about the historically rich places that inspire our favorite hairstyles and accessories? So, we decided to put our opinions (and brains) together and created a six-question quiz about the ancestral and generational heritage rooted in Black hair. You with us?

Counting down in three, two, one.

1. Which protective hairstyle is a long-standing tradition in Black culture, meaning “people” in over 300 African languages?
(Hint: It involves stacking hair upon itself in a spiraled knot.)

• a. Himba (him-buh)
• b. Maasai (MAH-sigh)
• c. Bantu knots (ban-tew)
• d. Ngala (en-galla)
• e. Tigray braids (tee-gray)

2. Braiding is a major style that so many of us use to express ourselves, our personalities, and our creativity. What did enslaved people escaping to freedom use their braids for?

• a. As a communication tool
• b. As a roadmap of the Underground Railroad
• c. To hide gold and seeds to sustain them
• d. All of the above

3. Which African hair braid was originally worn by Mangbetu women from the Congo?
(Hint: The crown-like hairstyle was featured in a famous performer’s 2020 musical film!)

• a. Edamburu
• b. Maasai (MAH-sigh)
• c. Bantu knots (ban-tuu)
• d. Himba (him-buh)
• e. Tigray braids (tee-gray)

4. Known as a look that communicates power, pride, and resistance, what hair style became a symbol of self-empowerment and activism in the United States in the 1960s?

• a. Locs
• b. Twist Out
• c. Cornrows
• d. Box Braids
• e. Afro

5. What is the name of the Nigerian wedding ceremony hair accessory, seen as a symbol of elegance?

• a. Ngala (en-galla)
• b. Maasai (MAH-sigh)
• c. Tigray braids (tee-gray)
• d. Himba (him-buh)
• e. Edamburu

6. What popular hairstyle in Ethiopia is known for tall braids that split into two, framing the face like a headband?

• a. Maasai (MAH-sigh)
• b. Tigray braids (tee-gray)
• c. Himba (him-buh)
• d. Ngala (en-galla)
• e. Edamburu

Aaaaannd you’re finished! Not too hard, eh? Let’s see how well you did. Check out the answer key below to see how your results stack up.

1. c. Bantu knots (ban-tew) | 2. d. All of the above | 3. a. Edamburu | 4. e. Afro | 5. a. Ngala (en-galla) | 6. b. Tigray braids (tee-gray)

ZERO ANSWERS CORRECT:

Maybe you misnumbered? We’ll give you the benefit of the doubt...

ONE ANSWER CORRECT:

One is better than none! Right...?

TWO ANSWERS CORRECT:

You know a lil’ of this, a lil’ of that. Two right ain’t too bad.

THREE ANSWERS CORRECT:

We see this result as the glass being half full.

FOUR ANSWERS CORRECT:

OK, look at you! (Kinda) knowing things and stuff.

FIVE ANSWERS CORRECT:

Congrats, you got all but one correct! Like almost being perfect, but you’re not.

SIX ANSWERS CORRECT:

You are an educated queen! (And a pro at taking quizzes.) Now go brag to someone. We support it.