With Mana in the Shock of Hair: Traditional Hairods in Polynesia

Abstract

This study presents short anthropological and historical overview of European interest in traditional Polynesian (and some Micronesian) cultures - focused especially on the role of hair, hairdressing and related customs in these societies during First Contact era. In many Oceanic cultures various coiffures defined person's gender, age, kinship, ethnicity or social status, as is shown in this article.

Keywords

• Polynesia
• Micronesia
• Coiffures
• Hairstyles
• Combing
• Culture
• Anthropology
• First Contact