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Bio

Ziomara Asprilla Garcia is an Afro-Colombian hair braider and stylist. Asprilla Garcia is from the city of Istmina in Choco, Colombia. At the age of 8, she learned hair braiding from her mother and by practicing on herselfl. Asprilla Garcia has participated in many braiding contests and festivals including the Smithsonian Folklife Festival.

Family

Asprilla Garcia has a sister. She is married and has a son.

The Role of Braids

Historically in Colombia, slaves used different braids to communicate with each other. Asprilla Garcia explained that some slaves would communicate their plans of escaping by styling thick, tight braids that were wrapped into a bun. Curved braids were used to detail the escape route. Asprilla Garcia views braids as a proud way to honor one's African ancestors as well as the traditions they brought with them. She describes braids as a method of fighting oppression and the challenges of having Afro hair.

References

https://festival.si.edu/2011/colombia/participant-portfolios/ziomara-asprilla-garcia/smithsonian

https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/afro-colombian-women-braid-messages-of-freedom-in-hairstyles/2011/07/08/gIQA6X9W4H_story.html?utm_term=.9fb5d8b12a7b

https://www.blackhistoryent.com/single-post/2017/11/18/Colombian-Slaves-Used-Hair-Braiding-to-Escape