Inspired by the Maasai

Any one who knows me, knows that I am really into my BrotherLocks. When I saw them for the first time I know I had to have them, because I thought that I if was going to get locks that this would best fit my lifestyle. The only thing that I really knew about the locks was that they were a trademarked technique started by Dr. JoAnne Cornwell in 93' & that you should only go to a certified consultant for services, and most importantly: you are going to pay a pretty penny for this method.

The true beauty of this locking option was that I could wash my hair as often as possible with out the worry that my baby locks would wash away as they would with traditional locks (product & twist assisted). I did start off with traditional locks but had to move on after not washing my hair for 4 months, I could not take it anymore. So here I am 1.6 years later with wonderful almost fully locked BrotherLocks. On other thing I think I need to mention is that Brother & Sister locks are one in the same, the only difference is the size & most obviously the gender of the wearer.

There are many other techniques for locking hair out there, but one other popular method is NappyLocs & this summer a bitter court battle came to an end. The fight was between Dr. JoAnne Cornwell & those who she thought bit her idea & tried to get away with it. By the time it was all over I learned something new about the BrotherLock technique & there is hope for the little guy. Here is an excerpt from the judge’s statement:

"Dr. Cornwell's assertion in this case that these elements are somehow proprietary is in direct conflict with the position adopted by Plaintiff in Cornwell v California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, No. 97-CV-138. In that case, Dr. Cornwell, as one plaintiff, emphasized the extensive historical traditions behind natural hair care...

Some Maasai Tribe members wear their hair in small, thin locks similar in appearance to Sisterlocks. Like Sisterlocks, the typical number of locks for a Massai Tribe member would be around 400 to 450....

The preponderance of the evidence at trial showed that the use of tools to make locks and loop the hair had commonly occurred prior to the development of Sisterlocks... Plaintiff's own statements from her previous California Board of cosmetology case, also shows that in developing her technique, Plaintiff was relying, incorporating, and building on her extensive knowledge as an academic in the field of African Studies and on well- known hair styling techniques that "originated" many centuries in Africa" and had continued to be practiced and refined by innumerable individuals since then. Just as Plaintiff (Cornwell) benefited from her learning and experiences with these practices and African culture, she cannot prevent others from building creatively on these skills..."

So basically, after I was exposed to this information I had to do some ghetto style internet research & found out the following on the Maasai people

The Maasai are more commonly associated with Kenya, but they’ve been a presence around the Ngorongoro Crater of Tanzania for over a 150 years and are the area’s main residents. Traditionally nomadic cattlemen, in recent years they have been encouraged to make settlements.

Quick Massai facts:

• The Massai are one of the most recognized African groups (famous for the beautifully colored beads)
• They live in mud and dung huts called inkajijik that are built by the women in fenced enclosures called inkangitie
• Color their hair & sometimes skin with red ochre
• They survive almost exclusively on cow's meat and milk mixed with blood
• The practice of lion hunting is viewed by the Maasai society as bravery and achievement.
• In the past, when the lion population was high, the community encouraged solo lion hunting
• At puberty (around 15), boys are circumcised, a few days before the operation, a boy must herd cattle for seven full days. On the eighth day, he is circumcised
• Uneducated females are also circumcised & often married off to much older men Many spell Maasai "Masai," which is the incorrect colonial spelling

Ironically, the young Maasai are leaving the bush to make money doing hair in places like Tanzania, which is proving to be a successful business. Link to BBC Africa article. No matter if you are an African, African American or African Whatever; you can get paid braiding & locking some hair!!!