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Traditional Hair Knowledge

Meaning ❉ Traditional Hair Knowledge within the context of Black and mixed-race hair represents the collected wisdom and practices passed through generations, forming a gentle guide for textured strands. This ancestral understanding provides foundational insight into the distinct characteristics of coily, kinky, and curly hair, including its unique hydration needs and growth inclinations. Such inherited discernment establishes a systematic approach to care, akin to a thoughtful framework, promoting consistent routines that foster scalp health and strand resilience. Moreover, this wisdom translates into practical application, guiding choices in gentle detangling, mindful product selection, and the skilled formation of protective styles. It is the implementation of time-honored principles, ensuring the sustained well-being and enduring strength of these hair types.

Monochrome photograph of a halved seed pod displays symmetrical rows of seeds enclosed by a fibrous husk recalls natural fractal designs echoing ancestral patterns important for textured hair growth a raw ingredient potential evokes holistic hair treatments, embracing wellness with plant derived elements.

Diaspora Plant Wisdom

Meaning ❉ Diaspora Plant Wisdom is the inherited, adapted knowledge of botanical properties applied to textured hair care across African diasporic communities.
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Close-up presents artful braiding, revealing textural intricacies. The interlaced hair formations, expertly woven, symbolize heritage and connectivity. Precise patterns show historical hair traditions, evoking ancestral lineage, while deep shadows highlight depth and the holistic artistry within specialized hair maintenance practices.

Indigenous Cultural Property

Meaning ❉ Indigenous Cultural Property recognizes communal rights over ancestral expressions, including hair care traditions and their profound connection to identity.
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A striking black and white portrait presents a woman with neatly box braided hair styled into a contemporary bob. Braids frame her face, drawing focus to her intense gaze. The close-up captures detailed texture, conveying an image of strong beauty in the context of hair health and expressive black hairstyling.

Indigenous IP

Meaning ❉ Indigenous Intellectual Property encompasses collective rights over traditional hair knowledge and cultural expressions, preserving ancestral wisdom and identity.
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Monochrome image showcasing antique metal tool, possibly heritage heirloom. Its design evokes tools for ancestral hair practices perhaps afrocentric hair traditions. The aged metal texture and subdued lighting hint at holistic care roots and forgotten beauty rituals integral to the black haircare history.

Black Hair Intellectual Property

Meaning ❉ Black Hair Intellectual Property defines the collective, inherited knowledge and creative practices related to textured hair within Black and mixed-race communities.
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A striking black and white portrait reveals a young woman with intricately braided hair forming looped shapes. The style showcases diverse textures and patterns, emphasizing her heritage and cultural identity. Subtly illuminated features, coupled with a beaded necklace, convey both strength and grace. Her textured hair affirms beauty.

WIPO IGC

Meaning ❉ The WIPO IGC aims to create international frameworks for protecting traditional knowledge and cultural expressions, notably safeguarding the heritage of textured hair practices.
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A striking monochromatic portrait features a woman with voluminous afro textured hair, showcasing its springy coil formation. The interplay of light and shadow emphasizes the hair's intricate texture against her smooth skin, highlighting natural beauty and celebrating Black hair traditions. Her direct gaze conveys confidence, making a powerful statement of identity.

Akan Hair Culture

Meaning ❉ Akan Hair Culture encompasses the historical, spiritual, and social significance of hair care and styling within Akan communities.
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Five silvered leaves form a radial botanical display against a stark black backdrop. Intricate venation patterns on each leaf showcase its unique texture and formation. This artistic representation can symbolize natural beauty, growth, and the elemental connections to ancestral botanical wisdom for textured hair wellness traditions.

Informal Beauty Networks

Meaning ❉ Informal Beauty Networks are community-driven systems for sharing textured hair knowledge and practices, rooted in ancestral wisdom and cultural resilience.
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A striking monochrome portrait captures a model with short, artfully styled textured hair, emphasizing precise finger waves and glossy finish. Against a neutral backdrop, strong side lighting accentuates facial structure and the crisp lines of a white collared shirt, illustrating modern minimalist beauty and hair design.

Indigenous Ethnobotany

Meaning ❉ Indigenous Ethnobotany is the study of ancestral plant knowledge and practices for textured hair, embodying cultural resilience and holistic care.
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