hair cover
Tignon Laws
The “Tignon” Laws
One my favorite season of American Horror Story we were introduced to Marie Laveau played by the talented and beautiful Angela Bassett. The real Marie Laveau was a Creole vodou practicioner in 1800s Louisiana.
The Creoles were predominantly French with some Spanish lineage. With fair skin and loose hair texture they walked a delicate line of survival and upward mobility.
Creole women would wear elaborate hairstyles and hats with plush feathers and decorative pins. They attracted the admiration of men but also the scorn of white women and those who felt they were getting too big for their britches.
During the time the Spanish took over Louisiana the Governor came up with a plan to remedy this problem. In order to curve the attentions of men and to stop these grade displays of by Creole women, he passed what is commonly known as the Tignon Laws. Tignon(tee-non) refers to the kerchief women used to tire their hair. This was often worn by enslaved people.
Well, the universe must have blocked that because it had the opposite effect. The women looked even more beautiful with their tignons on. Below is a response to a question about an article in a New Orleans newpaper in the late 1800s about Tignons:
Turban History
Turbans hold great cultural importance in India, the Middle East, Persia, Europe and parts of Africa. They play a significant role in the Sikh and Muslim religions. These cultures and religions largely prefer to wear turbans that are formed from fabric twisted and wrapped around the head as opposed to the stitched styles.
What is a Turban?
‘The turban is essentially a headgear that uses fabric of varying width and length, which is twisted and turned around the head. The wrapped folds derived produce a “fitted effect” akin to a stitched or an engineered head covering. Though length, style, color, and fabric may vary as geographical locations change, the basic concept and construction of the turban remains unaltered. This is probably the widest and most flexible definition of this garment considering the many forms in which it exists.” “Turban .” Encyclopedia of Clothing and Fashion . . Encyclopedia.com. 24 Sep. 2019
Origins of Turbans
Turbans are believed to have originated in Mesopotamia around 2350 BCE where a sculpture depicts a person wearing a turban like headdress. Numerous depictions of turbans, also dated BCE, can be found in parts of Africa and Europe, predating current religions.
Turbans in Europe
Turbans first appeared in the West in the 14th century as the Moors spread their culture and influence across Spain. The moorish style of turbans which left the forehead exposed was adopted by Westerners. It is believe that the name “turban” is derived from turband, tolibant or tulipant – all derived from the word tulip, named so because of the shape of the cloth when wrapped around head.
Turbans in America
During the early 1910s and 20s turbans hit the mainstream. French fashion designer Paul Poiret inspired by Eastern culture and style brought about the turban trend adopted by European aristocracy, hollywood, bohemians and civilians alike. They were often decorated with ornate feathers and brooches.
Turbans in Hollywood & Beyond
From Hollywood Starlets to top trending Influencers turbans have remained the pinnacle of style and the ultimate fashion accessory.
