Clay Bun
To indicate that they have killed an enemy or a dangerous animal , men put clay hair buns into which ostrich feathers are inserted for special occasions. This is done after having shaven certain parts of the scalp. The short hairs on the top of the head are moulded with dyed earth.The clay is placed directly on to the head.The hair is then flattened. The clay bun is usually remade every three to six months and can be worn for a period of up to one year after the kill. The front part of the bun is covered in white chalk and then splattered with ochre paint while the back bun is left a natural grey colour.
© Kieron Nelson 1998 "Vanishing Cultures Photography" All rights reserved
