How Diné Men Are Reclaiming Their Long Hair | MANE

Long hair isn't just a style — it's a symbol of heritage and pride. Keenan Barlow's dedication to preserving his Navajo heritage through his long hair showcases the resilience of Indigenous traditions. #MANE
» Subscribe to @NowThisOriginals

Keenan Barlow, a member of the Navajo Nation, with descendancy from the Oglala Lakota, Oglala Lakota nation and Navajo community, shares his personal journey and cultural significance behind wearing the longhairs, long hair as an Indigenous person. Raised in Utah with a dress code for men, mens hair restricting his hair length, Keenan felt a disconnect from his cultural roots. For Keenan, wearing mens long hair and men with long hair is a symbol of identity, belonging, and a connection to his heritage. He engages in cultural art like beading and weaving to further connect to his Indigenous background.

Keenan discusses how the forced cutting of Native mens hair in school, a tactic used during colonization eroded Indigenous identity and culture. The phrase Kill the Indian save the man book reflects the deliberate attempt to strip away cultural ties, including the significance of hair in Indigenous communities. By reclaiming long hair in a society, Keenan sees it as a form of empowerment and a way to restore lost identity and heritage.

He highlights the significance of the Navajo hair tie, representing light and rain in their culture. Keenan encourages learning and empowerment by sharing knowledge about traditional hair tying method.

Keenan's perspective emphasizes that wearing long hair isn't just fashion statements and that it's a powerful symbol of reclaiming cultural identity and honoring ancestral traditions which can foster a sense of belonging and pride.

#Indigenous #Navajo #Heritage #Traditions #Culture #Hair #NowThis

Connect with NowThis
» Subscribe to NowThis News: http://go.nowth.is/News_Subscribe
» Like us on Facebook: http://go.nowth.is/News_Facebook
» Tweet us on Twitter: http://go.nowth.is/News_Twitter
» Follow us on Instagram: http://go.nowth.is/News_Instagram
» Find us on Snapchat Discover: http://go.nowth.is/News_Snapchat

NowThis Originals is NowThis' new destination for midform, premium series.

   / @nowthisoriginals  
How Diné Men Are Reclaiming Their Long Hair | MANE