Amasunzu: The Crown of Rwandan Heritage

The picture beautifully represents a sepia toned portrait of a Rwandan man which focuses mostly on the elaborate and culturally significant hairstyle. His hair styled into the form of striking crescent-shaped designs – a style known as Amasunzu. This traditional hairstyle, once worn by Rwandan men and women is not just a statement fashion mark but also a mark of identity, pride and status.

The Amasunzu hairstyle has deep roots in the Rwandan heritage, particularly amongst the Hutu and Tutsi communities. Its origin dates back to the 1920s, traditionally worn by young and unmarried men and women signifying their respective status in the society. It denoted strength, bravery and readiness for battle or leadership for the men, while for women, especially those with a royal background, it symbolized beauty, maturity and nobility. One’s stage in life such as reaching the age of marriage or completing a significant milestone according to the Rwandan culture, could also be visually represented by the Amasunzu hairstyle.

This particular photograph taken aback in the 20s does not only capture the beauty of the hair but also has that essence of dignity and pride on the man’s face and body language. The expressions are composed as if he is insightful and deeply aware of what cultural weight his appearance holds.

The picture carries a deep sense of pride, nostalgia and reverence. The man is calm and shows a calm authority and cultural pride in his eyes. The poise that he holds allows the viewers to remember the deep roots of the African tradition and much significant culture and the grace with which it has been carried.

In an era where many deeply connected indigenous practices were being demolished, erased or replaced under the colonial rule, this picture shows depicts counterculture, visually declaring selfhood and resistance.

The Colonial Era, many significant cultural practices of Africa were discouraged by the European administrators and missionaries, who viewed African people as “primitive”. Amasunzu hairstyle was one the practices that was also targeted. As a result, Rwandan people were made to give up on their traditional hairstyles only to follow the western grooming standards. In the contrary, this photograph captures a slight moment of triumph over the forced suppression or rather exploitation.

While, the hairstyle has faded, it is experiencing a revival in the Rwandan cultural festivals and among various famous artists such as Minani Saleh and designers, mostly of African origin or backgrounds who seek to reclaim and celebrate their beautiful culture. As in the present, the Amasunzu hairstyle also serves as a symbol of national identity and cultural preservation.

The photograph has a beautiful composition. The monochromatic sepia tones add a timeless quality eradicating any kind of distractions and focusing solely on the subject. With no harsh lighting, the beautifully casted shadows highlight the well sculpted qualities of hairstyle, enhancing the features and contours of the subject. The central framing brings all the attention span of the viewers on the expression filled with dignity and calm poised subject and the intricate details of the hairstyle.

The picture is more than a portrait of a Rwandanan, but it also a historical documentation. A work of pure hand-woven art and a culturally significant statement. It depicts that how a simple element of the human body, hair, can hold so much significance in one’s life. How ddeply identity can be woven into appearance. Traditions such as Amasarazu continue to inspire awe and pride across and over generations.