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ALBASO BRAIDS / A hairstyle of the Tigrayans of Ethiopia and Eritrea
“Are you Habesha?” the young, Ethiopian (Oromo) woman asked, looking up at my reflection in the salon mirror, as she parted my kinky hair for braiding.
I flashed a blushing smile, and replied, “No, but during my travels in Tanzania and Uganda, many people believed that I was.”
Another Ethiopian woman called out from the front chair —her Amharic accent coating her limited English, “Yes, because you have family face! Family face.”
Another older Ethiopian woman walked to me, warm and observant. She offered coffee, and I agreed to the gesture—the coffee was hot, smooth, strong and dark, served with a small decorated cup and plate. I complimented the serving plates — a traditional style of serving coffee in Ethiopia.
The young woman braiding my hair, just simply replied to my compliment, “Culture. It’s our culture.”
I asked the elder woman more about the meaning of the braids.
“Traditionally, these very small braids were worn by young girls before marriage. The large braid—Albaso braid—is worn by a woman once she is married.”
I sipped the coffee, “So, the braids would tell of martial status?”
“Yes, but now it’s different. The women wear the style anytime. Many young women wear it during Ashenda.”
When my hair was finished, they said that now people will really think that I am a Habesha and celebrating the Ethiopian New Year (which began on September 11).
Now, look at us— do you think that I have family face?
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