Date of Graduation
Spring 2025
Degree
Master of Fine Arts in Visual Studies
Department
Art & Design
Committee Chair
Deidre Argyle
Abstract
Stories are embedded in each strand of Nigerian hair, serving as a bridge across generations and embodying the legacy of cultural expression. Hair-making, a skill passed down through generations in my family, began as a personal practice and has evolved into a powerful means of exploring and showcasing the cultural significance of hair braiding through creative works. The sculptures included in this thesis, Braiding Culture Through Ceramics & Mixed Media Sculpture, feature hair sculpture, afro combs, stools, adire batik made from materials such as clay, wood, glaze and cotton fabric. These materials are carefully selected for their cultural relevance and are used to emphasize and highlight these narratives. By celebrating the stories woven into each strand of Nigerian hair, this work underscores its role in connecting the past with the present, bridging generational divides, and preserving cultural heritage. Through these art forms, the aim is to honor and sustain the personal and collective legacy that continues to bind generations together.
Keywords
ceramics, cultural significance, hair sculpture, sankofa, rite of passage, afro comb, nigerian hairstyles, stool, nigerian people group, adire batik
Subject Categories
Ceramic Arts | Fiber, Textile, and Weaving Arts | Sculpture
Copyright
© Joy M. Okokon
Recommended Citation
Okokon, Joy M., "Braiding Culture Through Ceramics & Mixed Media Sculpture" (2025). Graduate Theses/Dissertations. 4076.
https://bearworks.missouristate.edu/theses/4076
Open Access
