Barbershop Signs

Senegal (top)

Ghana (bottom)

1980’s?

Wood and Housepaint

Private Collection

         These two signs come from barbershops in two different countries in Africa, Senegal and Ghana. Typically found throughout urban areas, signs such as these serve as colorful advertising for the types of hairstyle a customer may choose. These particular ones illustrate men’s hairdos, and are used by male barbers. They are constructed out of wood by professional sign makers. Even though electric razors are of Western influence, haircutting and styling has a long tradition in Africa.

         Many African cultures regard the head as the spiritual center, and the hair as an important marker of societal values. Several traditional hairdos are illustrated in this show. For example, the hairdo on the Akan female figure is the type associated with women’s coming of age. The crest-type hairdo (agogo) featured on the Yoruba Ibeji figure was once the traditional marker of a woman’s married status. The traditional hairdos on the factory print cloth illustrate Cote d’Ivoirian ideals of beauty.

         In more recent times, the popularity of names and styles of hairdos are determined by what they symbolize. For example the Ghanaian sign reflects the admiration of American culture with styles like the "Playboy" and "Ford" expressing American ideals of being attractive to women and desiring money. The Senegalese signs demonstrate the influence of western systems of rule. "Le coiffeur diplome" or the diplomatic hairdo conveys status associated with a government position. The importance of hair as a display of status and wealth has not changed in Africa, but the changing ideals of status and wealth are evidenced in changing styles.