Duration: 90 Minutes
Subject: Cultural Studies, Art, Personal Identity
Guest Speaker: Naana Donkor Arthur

Month: June 

Creator: Maya V.

LESSON PLAN 

Introduction

Participants will explore the rich history and cultural significance of Kenyan hair braiding as an art form and symbol of resilience within Kenyan communities. Through storytelling and hands-on practice, attendees will learn various braiding techniques while discovering how hair braiding reflects identity, heritage, and social values. The session will conclude with a discussion on the personal and cultural importance of braiding, highlighting its role in preserving tradition and creating a sense of community. 

History

Traditionally, the styles of hair braiding were not just aesthetic but also symbolized social status, age, marital status, and community identity. For many Kenyan communities, hair was considered an important part of one's spiritual and physical being, and braiding was a ritualistic practice tied to personal and communal identity. For example, among the Maasai, intricate hair braiding often marked important life stages such as adolescence, adulthood, or marriage. Braiding was also a communal activity, with women often coming together to braid each other's hair as part of bonding and socializing. In some cases, specific braids or styles would be worn for important ceremonies like weddings, initiation rites, or religious observances. Additionally, the act of braiding could also serve as a form of self-expression or a means to convey resistance to colonial influences that sought to standardize African appearance and practices.

Essential Questions

1. How does hair braiding connect to cultural identity and personal expression?

2. In what ways does the practice of hair braiding help preserve and promote African cultural traditions?

3. What role does hair braiding play in the larger context of resilience and community building in Kenyan culture?

4. How can the practice of braiding influence the way we perceive and value cultural art forms in a global context?

Goals

• To explore and understand the cultural significance of hair braiding in Kenyan society.

• To practice and master basic and advanced hair braiding techniques.

• To reflect on how the art of hair braiding connects to personal identity, community resilience, and cultural preservation.

Objectives

• Participants will gain an understanding of the cultural history of hair braiding in Kenya.

• Participants will practice braiding techniques, both traditional and contemporary, with a focus on cultural integrity.

• Participants will demonstrate their braiding skills through a final group presentation, connecting the practice to broader cultural and personal contexts.

• Participants will reflect on the significance of hair braiding and how it can influence their perspectives on culture and identity.

Outline of Learning Plan

1. Introduction (10 minutes)

   • Naana Donkor Arthur introduces herself and shares her personal journey.

   • Overview of the cultural significance of hair braiding in Kenya.

   • Discussion on how hair braiding connects to community, identity, and resilience.

2. Demonstration of First Braiding Technique (25 minutes)

   • Naana demonstrates a traditional Kenyan braiding style.

   • Participants practice braiding on each other, following Naana’s guidance and tips.

   • Emphasis on the cultural significance of the technique.

3. Demonstration of Second Braiding Technique (25 minutes)

   • Naana demonstrates a different braiding style from another region of Kenya or from a different African tradition.

   • Participants switch partners and practice the second technique.

   • Encouragement to explore the diversity of African braiding styles and techniques.

4. Assessment and Reflection (30 minutes)

   • Participants demonstrate their braiding skills by braiding a partner's hair in front of the class.

   • Group reflection on the cultural and personal significance of braiding.

   • Afterwards a guided discussion on how this knowledge can be applied outside the workshop setting.

Assessment

• Post-Workshop Survey

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1PTX5YNEgVS1dBzDqgUsOYnk2QTYnByt3-qFFZgF-w_o/edit

• • Presentation

Participants will share their braids while the instructor notes their ability to replicate the braiding techniques demonstrated in class. 

The focus will be on:

• • 1. 1. The accuracy and skill in performing the braiding techniques.

       2. The participant’s ability to personalize or adapt the technique.

       3. The participant’s engagement with the cultural significance of hair braiding.

• Reflection

Participants will be evaluated on their ability to articulate how the practice of hair braiding connects to their personal identity, cultural understanding, and broader community. 

Materials Needed 

• Wide-tooth combs (for detangling)

• Rat-tail combs (for sectioning hair precisely)

• Paddle brushes (optional, for smoothing hair)

• Sectioning clips (to hold different sections of hair while braiding)

• Small elastic bands (for securing braids at the ends)

• Hair gel or mousse (for taming frizz and providing hold during braiding)

• Light styling gel (optional, for a smoother finish)

• Hair oil or serum (optional, for adding shine and reducing frizz)

• Scissors (for trimming any uneven sections or excess hair if needed)

• Towels or capes (to protect participants' clothing from hair or product)

• Mirrors (for participants to check their own braiding technique as they go)

• Aprons or smocks (to protect participants’ clothing from hair or styling products)

• Beads, clips, or decorative pins (optional, if the workshop includes adding accessories to braids)

• Hair spray (optional, for finishing and setting the braids)

Annotated List of Sources

Naana Donkor Arthur

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGoYXGGRZak

This is the youtube profile of Naana, the hair braider from Kenya who shows young hair braiders how to perfect their craft. 

https://www.instagram.com/naanadonkorarthur/?hl=en

https://www.tiktok.com/@naanadonkorarthur/video/7298406460688469291 

This is the social media profile of Naana, can be shared with participants who want to connect with her futher after the workshop.

Hair Braiding Technique

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9_aGpT7CZ4

"HOW TO CORNROW 4 BEGINNERS ONLY" can be used in addition to or in place of in person braiding instruction.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ZRZFNamp54

"Learn how to: Flat twist cornrows/ stitched flat twist or Spirals" can be used in addition to or in place of in person braiding instruction.