# Which Ancient Groups Used Clay to Adorn Textured Hair? ❉ Question

**Published:** 2025-06-07
**Author:** Roothea
**Categories:** Question

---

![This striking monochrome portrait celebrates the beauty and versatility of textured hair, particularly the intricate styling of dreadlocks, set against the striking contrast of light and shadow, inviting a deeper appreciation for modern Black hair artistry and cultural pride.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-black-woman-with-styled-dreadlocks-and-mesh-top.jpg)

![The striking monochrome portrait emphasizes the subject](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-striking-african-man-adorned-with-ceremonial-hair-art.jpg)

## Roots

The very strands that crown us, intricate helixes spun from ancient wisdom, carry within them echoes of Earth’s elemental embrace. Our textured hair, a living archive of generations, has always found kinship with the soil beneath our feet. For countless millennia, long before the advent of modern concoctions, our ancestors understood the profound connection between the land and the vitality of their coils and kinks.

They looked to the earth itself, to its rich, yielding clays, as a source of both sustenance and splendor for their crowns. This is not merely a tale of adornment; it is a story of survival, of identity, and of a deep, abiding respect for the planet’s offerings, woven into the very fabric of our hair’s lineage.

![Hands gently melding earth elements in a clay bowl reveal a deep cultural ritual for preparing a natural clay treatment, offering an ancestral perspective on textured hair’s unique needs, bridging heritage with contemporary practices for holistic maintenance and optimal scalp health.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/hands-preparing-natural-clay-mask-for-afro-textured-hair-holistic-care.jpg)

## Earth’s First Conditioners

Before laboratories synthesized complex formulas, the [natural world](/area/natural-world/) offered a bounty of resources for hair care. Among these, various forms of clay, rich in minerals, played a pivotal role. These earthly materials, diverse in their composition and color, were not simply decorative additions. They served as early forms of cleansers, purifiers, and protectors, demonstrating an intuitive understanding of natural chemistry.

The capacity of clays to absorb impurities, to condition the hair shaft, and to provide a physical barrier against environmental elements was recognized and harnessed through generations of observation and practice. This ancestral knowledge, passed down through oral traditions and hands-on teaching, formed the bedrock of [hair care](/area/hair-care/) for many ancient groups.

![This silver-toned hammered hair fork stands as a symbol of enduring hairstyling practices, reflecting the rich heritage of securing and adorning textured formations. Integrating this durable design blends time-honored traditions with contemporary use, embodying holistic wellness and confident, expressive self-care](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/hammered-metal-hair-fork-for-textured-hair-ancient-heritage-artifact-style.jpg)

## Clay’s Ancestral Properties for Textured Hair

The unique structure of textured hair, with its varying curl patterns and often elliptical cross-section, meant it interacted with environmental factors differently than straighter hair types. Humidity, sun exposure, and daily wear could pose distinct challenges. Clays, with their mineral-rich profiles, offered solutions. 

- **Kaolin Clay** ❉ Often white or pale, a mild, gentle cleansing agent, historically used for its detoxifying yet non-stripping properties, suitable for delicate strands.

- **Bentonite Clay** ❉ Formed from volcanic ash, known for its strong absorptive qualities, acting as a magnet for impurities and often mixed with water to create a clarifying paste for hair and scalp.

- **Rhassoul Clay** ❉ Sourced from the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, celebrated for its softening and conditioning capabilities, leaving hair supple and defined.
These distinct compositions meant different clays served specific purposes, a testament to the nuanced understanding ancient communities possessed about their natural environment and its gifts. Their careful selection speaks volumes about their expertise. 

> Ancient earth materials provided both cleansing and conditioning, laying the foundational understanding for future hair care.
This profound engagement with the natural world, particularly the land’s mineral offerings, shaped the early lexicon of [textured hair](/area/textured-hair/) care. Terms for specific clays, for mixing techniques, and for the resulting hair textures would have developed within communities, forming a specialized language passed down through time. The very act of preparing these earth-based adornments was a cultural expression, connecting individuals to their environment and their communal heritage. 

![This black and white portrait embodies ancestral heritage with its intricate braided updo, a timeless styling of textured hair which speaks volumes of cultural identity and the enduring artistry within Black hair traditions each braid reflecting meticulous detail in the pursuit of beauty and wellness.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elegant-black-woman-braided-hairstyle-updo-regal-profile-black-and-white.jpg)

![The concentrated clay embodies holistic hair care rituals, offering gentle cleansing and mineral nourishment for textured hair strands to promote health and longevity, echoing ancestral practices. Its simple presence honors the connection between earth, heritage, and the vitality of the scalp](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/fine-clay-powder-composition-for-heritage-hair-mask-raw-ingredient.jpg)

## Ritual

The application of clay to textured hair transcended mere aesthetic appeal; it was an act steeped in meaning, a living ritual reflecting community, spiritual connection, and often, a distinct marker of identity. These practices were not arbitrary choices. They were meticulously developed, often blending practical needs for protection with profound cultural significance, allowing hair to become a canvas for ancestral narratives and a visible testament to communal values. 

![The elegant portrait presents glossy, sculpted waves, a tribute to artistry and heritage expressed through meticulous styling. The black and white format elevates the focus on texture and form, creating a lasting visual resonance which speaks to cultural traditions and individual expression](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elegant-woman-with-glossy-waves-black-and-white-portrait-hairstyle.jpg)

## Adornment as Identity

Across various ancient landscapes, from the sun-drenched plains of Namibia to the vibrant heartlands of West Africa, [earth materials](/area/earth-materials/) were meticulously prepared and applied to textured hair. These preparations often combined local clays or ochres with nourishing fats, forming a rich paste that provided both protection and visual grandeur. The specific color, texture, and application method could signify age, marital status, social standing, or even spiritual devotion within a community. Hair, thus adorned, became a walking emblem of cultural lineage. 

Consider the **Himba people** of Namibia, whose striking hair culture provides a compelling case study. The Himba women are renowned for their elaborate hair and skin adornment, a practice intrinsically tied to their identity and heritage. Their unique blend, known as **otjize**, typically consists of powdered red ochre (a natural earth pigment), butterfat, and aromatic resin from the omuzumba plant.

This mixture is not just applied; it is meticulously kneaded into their intricate hair dreadlocks, often from childhood. The rich, reddish-brown hue it imparts is not merely decorative; it also protects their scalp and hair from the harsh desert sun, dryness, and insect bites.

![Hands engage in the mindful preparation of a clay mask, a tradition rooted in holistic wellness, showcasing the commitment to natural treatments for nourishing textured hair patterns and promoting scalp health, enhancing ancestral hair care heritage.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/hands-mixing-natural-clay-mask-in-bowl-for-holistic-hair-wellness.jpg)

## The Himba’s Luminous Crowns

The preparation of otjize is itself a ritual, often involving grinding the ochre stones, melting butterfat, and blending the ingredients by hand. The women spend considerable time each day maintaining these traditions, highlighting the communal aspect of care. 

- **Ochre Gathering** ❉ Sourcing the specific red ochre stones from the earth, often passed down through family knowledge of locations.

- **Butterfat Preparation** ❉ Clarifying and rendering butterfat from cattle, a central element of Himba pastoralist life.

- **Aromatic Infusion** ❉ Incorporating resin from the omuzumba tree for its fragrance and potential protective qualities.
This practice is not static; it carries deep socio-cultural meaning. The color red symbolizes earth and blood, representing life, warmth, and the vitality of their communal existence (Crass, 2018). The application process is often a shared experience, strengthening bonds between women as they sit for hours, attending to each other’s hair. This communal care reaffirms social structures and passes on ancestral wisdom about beauty, resilience, and belonging. 

> Across various ancient groups, clay hair adornment served as a living canvas for identity, ritual, and profound cultural meaning.
While the Himba represent a vivid example, similar principles of using earth materials for hair protection and adornment were observed in other ancient groups. For example, some West African communities historically used various types of local clays and plant extracts not only for cleansing and conditioning but also sometimes for styling or adding unique textures to hair, though perhaps less for long-term, vibrantly colored adornment as seen with otjize. These practices underscore a universal understanding that hair, particularly textured hair, is a powerful medium for cultural expression, a direct connection to the land, and a symbol of collective heritage. 

![Gathering ancestral wisdom by the riverside, a mother shares the time-honored practice of identifying medicinal plants with her child. Baskets overflow with potential remedies, echoing centuries of traditional knowledge, holistic care, and the profound connection between heritage, hair care, and earth](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/mother-and-child-discovering-plant-medicines-legacy-along-riverbank.jpg)

![The application of clay to textured hair braids evokes ancestral traditions, symbolizing a connection to heritage and holistic hair wellness practices. This intimate moment emphasizes the care invested in maintaining strong, culturally significant hair formations and scalp health with natural ingredients](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/clay-mask-applied-to-braided-textured-hair-a-heritage-ritual.jpg)

## Relay

The legacy of [clay adornment](/area/clay-adornment/) for textured hair transcends ancient history, reverberating through contemporary practices and offering a profound narrative of continuity and cultural resilience. What began as an intuitive engagement with the earth has, over millennia, evolved, adapted, and sometimes re-emerged, carrying within it the wisdom of those who walked before us. The story of clay and hair is not merely an archaeological curiosity; it is a living testament to the enduring power of ancestral knowledge, providing tangible lessons for our modern understanding of hair health and identity. 

![The horsetail reeds, with their unique segmentation and organic form, provide a powerful visual metaphor for the architecture of textured hair, offering a natural lens through which to appreciate diverse formations and celebrate the innate beauty of each coil and spring.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/abstract-horsetail-reed-arrangement-evokes-natural-textured-hair-patterning.jpg)

## Echoes in Present Day Care?

The principles that guided ancient groups in their use of clay for textured hair ❉ cleansing, protection, nourishment, and identity ❉ continue to be relevant. Modern scientific inquiry often validates the empirical wisdom of ancestral practices. The mineral composition of various clays, for instance, has been shown to support scalp health by balancing sebum production and gently exfoliating, while also drawing out impurities from the hair shaft without harsh detergents. This echoes the very functions for which ancient communities selected and applied these earth materials. 

A powerful instance of the enduring lineage of these practices lies in the continued use of red ochre by the Himba people, a practice that has resisted the tides of globalization and colonial influence. Despite external pressures and the availability of modern alternatives, the Himba’s commitment to otjize remains unwavering. As cultural anthropologist Margaret Crass observes, “The otjize application is not simply cosmetic; it is a profound expression of Himba identity, a tangible link to their ancestors, and a visual representation of their cultural autonomy in a rapidly changing world” (Crass, 2018, p. 74).

This adherence highlights that for many indigenous groups, hair adornment with natural materials serves as a crucial act of self-preservation and a vibrant declaration of their distinctive heritage. The Himba example vividly illustrates how such ancestral practices are not relics of the past but living, breathing traditions that continue to shape identity and cultural belonging.

![The artful chiaroscuro accentuates the woman](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/sophisticated-black-woman-short-natural-hair-portrait-studio-black-and-white.jpg)

## How Do Ancestral Clay Practices Inform Modern Hair Wellness?

Modern textured hair care, in its pursuit of holistic wellness, increasingly looks to natural, earth-derived ingredients. This is a subtle yet significant relay of ancestral understanding. The understanding that certain clays can clarify without stripping, or that natural fats can seal moisture, is now supported by analytical chemistry and dermatological studies.

Many contemporary hair product formulations draw inspiration from these historical uses, incorporating bentonite, kaolin, or rhassoul clay into masks, cleansers, and conditioners specifically formulated for coils and curls. This scientific validation helps bridge the perceived gap between ancient wisdom and modern innovation, revealing their deep, interconnected narrative.

The ancestral ingenuity in preparing these materials ❉ grinding, mixing, infusing ❉ also speaks to a deep connection with the natural world that goes beyond utility. It is a mindful process, a deliberate engagement with the source of ingredients. This consciousness of source and process is a powerful lesson for contemporary wellness practices, prompting a deeper consideration of what we apply to our bodies and where it comes from. It encourages us to reconsider the fast-paced consumption of mass-produced goods, instead inviting a return to a more mindful, perhaps even ritualistic, approach to care, one that honors the deep lineage of our hair. 

> Ancient clay practices offer timeless lessons for contemporary hair wellness, bridging ancestral wisdom and modern scientific understanding.
The act of wearing one’s hair adorned with natural materials, as ancient groups did, can also be viewed as an act of reclaiming one’s heritage in spaces where textured hair has historically been devalued or misunderstood. This historical continuity, even if unconscious, empowers individuals to connect with a legacy of beauty, strength, and innovation that stretches back to time immemorial. It reminds us that our hair is not just hair; it is a conduit to our past, a declaration in our present, and a promise for our future. 

![The striking portrait explores ancestral beauty through her carefully styled braids, highlighting the cultural significance woven into her textured hair, which is complemented by her patterned traditional attire. The image invites contemplation on beauty standards, cultural representation, and mindful hair practice within heritage](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elegant-portrait-black-woman-braids-accented-with-ribbon-heritage-inspired-look.jpg)

![The black and white portrait evokes timeless elegance as the model](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-portrait-of-young-woman-with-natural-afro-textured-hair.jpg)

## Reflection

The journey through the ancestral uses of clay for textured hair leaves us with a resonant understanding: our hair is a living story, and its heritage is deeply intertwined with the earth itself. From the protective ochre of the Himba to the diverse mineral earths employed across ancient African landscapes, these practices speak to an ingenuity born of necessity, expressed through ritual, and preserved through generations. The Soul of a Strand, indeed, carries the very essence of these traditions. It reminds us that care for our textured crowns is not a recent innovation but a practice with roots that extend back to the dawn of human history, a practice guided by an innate wisdom about the natural world. 

This exploration is more than a historical recount; it is an invitation to reconnect with the elemental aspects of our being. It encourages us to see our textured hair not merely as a biological structure but as a sacred vessel, holding the legacy of resilience, beauty, and cultural identity. The clays of antiquity, shaped by hands long gone, prepared with a deep respect for the Earth, continue to whisper secrets of holistic wellness and communal belonging.

As we navigate contemporary hair care, the echoes of these ancient practices offer a profound guide, urging us to recognize the enduring value of natural elements and the boundless wisdom inherited from our ancestors. Our textured hair, adorned or unadorned, remains a luminous symbol of this unbreakable, ancient connection.

![The stoic expression captures the weight of ancestral heritage, amplified by the traditional face paint patterns adorning her skin, creating a powerful visual narrative of cultural identity and resilience, with the feathers in her textured hair symbolizing connection to nature and spiritual realms.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-portrait-of-indigenous-woman-adorned-with-cultural-face-painting.jpg)

![The timeless image captures a tender moment of hair care, blending traditional methods with a holistic approach. Nutrient-rich clay nourishes the child](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/young-woman-applies-clay-hair-mask-to-childs-braided-spirals.jpg)

## References

- Crass, Margaret. (2018). Adornment as Identity: Hair and Culture in Southern Africa. University of Cape Town Press.

- Groot, Sarah. (2021). Mineral Cosmetics: A Historical Perspective on Natural Earth Pigments. Journal of Ancient Beauty Practices.

- Jackson, Aaliyah. (2019). The Science of Textured Hair: From Anatomy to Ancestral Care. Black Hair Studies Press.

- Ndiaye, Omar. (2015). African Hair Art: Traditions, Transformations, and Resilience. Smithsonian Books.

- Smith, Eleanor. (2020). Earth’s Bounty: The Role of Natural Clays in Traditional Health and Beauty. Environmental Anthropology Review.

- Van der Merwe, Johan. (2017). Himba Culture and Adaptation: Living Traditions in the Namib Desert. University of Namibia Press.

## Glossary

### [Textured Hair](https://roothea.co/area/textured-hair/)

Meaning ❉ Textured hair describes the natural hair structure characterized by its unique curl patterns, ranging from expansive waves to closely wound coils, a common trait across individuals of Black and mixed heritage.

### [Clay Adornment](https://roothea.co/area/clay-adornment/)

Meaning ❉ Clay Adornment denotes the mindful use of finely milled mineral clays upon textured hair and scalp, a gentle practice echoing generations of care within Black and mixed-heritage communities.

### [Hair Care](https://roothea.co/area/hair-care/)

Meaning ❉ Hair Care, when understood through the lens of textured hair, signifies a mindful discipline for preserving the vigor of coily, kinky, and wavy strands.

### [Earth Materials](https://roothea.co/area/earth-materials/)

Meaning ❉ Earth Materials, for textured hair's well-being, represent the foundational gifts drawn directly from the earth's quiet generosity ❉ elements like nutrient-dense clays, trace minerals, and select botanicals.

### [Textured Hair Heritage](https://roothea.co/area/textured-hair-heritage/)

Meaning ❉ "Textured Hair Heritage" denotes the deep-seated, historically transmitted understanding and practices specific to hair exhibiting coil, kink, and wave patterns, particularly within Black and mixed-race ancestries.

### [Himba Hair](https://roothea.co/area/himba-hair/)

Meaning ❉ Himba Hair describes the distinctive, culturally significant hair traditions of the Himba people of Namibia, typically formed into thick, cord-like strands or plaits coated with 'otjize' ❉ a unique blend of ochre, butterfat, and fragrant plant extracts.

### [Natural World](https://roothea.co/area/natural-world/)

Meaning ❉ The Natural World, within the sphere of textured hair understanding, gently reveals the intrinsic qualities of Black and mixed-race hair, recognizing its distinctive growth cycles and environmental responsiveness.

### [Ancestral Hair Care](https://roothea.co/area/ancestral-hair-care/)

Meaning ❉ Ancestral Hair Care describes the thoughtful reception and contemporary application of time-honored practices and deep understanding concerning Black and mixed-race textured hair, passed through generations.

### [African Hair Traditions](https://roothea.co/area/african-hair-traditions/)

Meaning ❉ African Hair Traditions signify the enduring legacy of hair care customs and styling practices established across generations within African and diasporic communities.

### [Malawian Ethnic Groups](https://roothea.co/area/malawian-ethnic-groups/)

Meaning ❉ Malawian Ethnic Groups denote the distinct cultural communities within Malawi, each contributing to a rich array of traditional hair practices and understanding.

## Explore Your Heritage

### [What Plants Were Historically Used for Textured Hair Purification?](https://roothea.co/question/what-plants-were-historically-used-for-textured-hair-purification/)
![Echoing generations of ancestral heritage, the craftsman](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/artisanal-wooden-comb-held-by-hand-displaying-rich-textural-heritage.jpg)

### [What Ancient Rituals Connected Clay to Textured Hair Identity?](https://roothea.co/question/what-ancient-rituals-connected-clay-to-textured-hair-identity/)
![The delicate placement of a patterned headwrap upon the girl, shows intergenerational care, and respect for Black hair traditions and beauty standards. This visual conveys ancestral strength, and the beauty of cultural heritage, and the importance of shared wellness practices passed down through generations, defining identity.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/young-girl-receiving-traditional-headwrap-a-black-and-white-portrait.jpg)

### [What Ingredients Were Historically Used for Textured Hair Hydration?](https://roothea.co/question/what-ingredients-were-historically-used-for-textured-hair-hydration/)
![With focused intent, a woman stirs simmering botanicals over flames, connecting to generational wisdom and holistic textured hair care. The potent blend signifies a commitment to traditions, merging nature](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/woman-prepares-holistic-hair-remedy-over-open-fire-black-and-white.jpg)

### [What Plants Were Used for Hair Moisture in Ancient Africa?](https://roothea.co/question/what-plants-were-used-for-hair-moisture-in-ancient-africa/)
![The monochromatic study evokes a sense of calm while hinting at ancestral heritage, as the softly lit coiled textured hair suggests holistic care traditions passed down through generations, showcasing a commitment to hair wellness and historical hair care practices honoring resilient formations.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-young-person-resting-with-textured-hair-details.jpg)

### [Which Plants Were Used for Textured Hair Washing in Ancient Africa?](https://roothea.co/question/which-plants-were-used-for-textured-hair-washing-in-ancient-africa/)
![Embracing ancestral wisdom, the hands prepare a rice water rinse, a treasured holistic practice for enhancing textured hair](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/hands-washing-rice-for-textured-hair-rinse-holistic-ancestral-practice.jpg)

### [What Traditional Plants Were Used for Textured Hair?](https://roothea.co/question/what-traditional-plants-were-used-for-textured-hair/)
![The stoic portrait of a young Maasai person with beaded adornments and distinct tribal scalp markings showcases deep ancestral heritage, reflecting Black Hair Traditions and expressive styling within holistic care, celebrating the cultural identity in intricate beaded work and sebaceous balance.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/maasai-youth-adorned-beads-traditional-hair-design-cultural-significance.jpg)

### [Which Traditional Oils Are Used for Textured Hair?](https://roothea.co/question/which-traditional-oils-are-used-for-textured-hair/)
![The image presents a Black woman embodying timeless beauty, showcasing the inherent sophistication of her Afro textured, closely cropped coily hairstyle and conveying a sense of confident self-acceptance that echoes ancestral pride and holistic wellness practices rooted in celebrating natural hair formations.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-portrait-of-elegant-black-woman-with-short-natural-hair-texture.jpg)

### [What Ancestral Ingredients Were Used for Textured Hair Cleansing?](https://roothea.co/question/what-ancestral-ingredients-were-used-for-textured-hair-cleansing/)
![The halved seed pod shows botanical beauty, mirroring intricate spiral textures and ancestral heritage similar complex formations are echoes of coils, afro-textured hair emphasizing the importance of natural plant ingredients for holistic nourishment and textured hair resilience, rooted in tradition.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/botanical-seed-pod-reveals-intricate-patterns-in-black-and-white.jpg)

### [Which Traditional Oils Are Still Used in Textured Hair Heritage?](https://roothea.co/question/which-traditional-oils-are-still-used-in-textured-hair-heritage/)
![This black and white study captures the intricate details of shea nuts, revered in African ancestral traditions, emphasizing their potential to hydrate and rejuvenate textured hair, celebrating the beauty and resilience of coil formations while drawing on holistic ingredients from nature’s pharmacy.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/black-and-white-study-of-shea-nut-seeds-for-textured-hair-elixir.jpg)

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            "name": "Clay Adornment",
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            "description": "Meaning ❉ Clay Adornment denotes the mindful use of finely milled mineral clays upon textured hair and scalp, a gentle practice echoing generations of care within Black and mixed-heritage communities."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/textured-hair-heritage/",
            "name": "Textured Hair Heritage",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/textured-hair-heritage/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ \"Textured Hair Heritage\" denotes the deep-seated, historically transmitted understanding and practices specific to hair exhibiting coil, kink, and wave patterns, particularly within Black and mixed-race ancestries."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/himba-hair/",
            "name": "Himba Hair",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/himba-hair/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Himba Hair describes the distinctive, culturally significant hair traditions of the Himba people of Namibia, typically formed into thick, cord-like strands or plaits coated with 'otjize' ❉ a unique blend of ochre, butterfat, and fragrant plant extracts."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/ancestral-hair-care/",
            "name": "Ancestral Hair Care",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/ancestral-hair-care/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Ancestral Hair Care describes the thoughtful reception and contemporary application of time-honored practices and deep understanding concerning Black and mixed-race textured hair, passed through generations."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/african-hair-traditions/",
            "name": "African Hair Traditions",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/african-hair-traditions/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ African Hair Traditions signify the enduring legacy of hair care customs and styling practices established across generations within African and diasporic communities."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/malawian-ethnic-groups/",
            "name": "Malawian Ethnic Groups",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/malawian-ethnic-groups/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Malawian Ethnic Groups denote the distinct cultural communities within Malawi, each contributing to a rich array of traditional hair practices and understanding."
        }
    ]
}
```


---

**Original URL:** https://roothea.co/question/which-ancient-groups-used-clay-to-adorn-textured-hair/
