Twee portretten van Kebili van de Toda-stam before 1886

These portraits of Kebili from the Toda-stam were captured through photography by Paolo Mantegazza. The subjects' elaborate hairstyles, possibly ceremonial, command our attention. Hair, universally, has long been laden with meaning. Consider the ancient ritual of cutting one’s hair as a rite of passage, symbolizing a transition or a loss, mirrored in cultures spanning from Biblical narratives to indigenous practices. Think of Samson's strength residing in his uncut locks, or the tonsure of monks signifying renunciation. Here, the intentional styling of hair speaks of identity, status, and cultural continuity. The practice of adorning the head is not merely aesthetic, but also a profound statement of belonging and heritage. It reminds us that even in our modern world, hair remains a powerful, subconscious emblem of self and society.