Hair, as organic matter and part of the human body, has been subjected to manipulation and styling throughout history [1]. It has always carried social meanings for instance, as a symbol of status or as a fashion statement. As in the rest of the world, hair plays a vital role in the lives of African people [2]. It serves a wide range of purposes such as aesthetics and adornment, defining social status, class distinction and identification, and enhancing self-image and esteem [3]. Ceremonies and festivals, in particular, are characterized by specific designs, with every clan and tribe representing their cultural hairstyles [4].

Hairstyles in Africa depicted leadership status, gender, ethnic orientation, religious affiliation, social status, and socio-emotional state of the wearer, a symbol of cultural identity and beauty as well [5,6].

The Karrayyu are an ancient pastoralist Cushitic-speaking Oromo ethnic group residing in the Awash Valley, around the volcano of Mount Fantalle, and the Metehara Plain (Great East African Rift Valley) in the Fantalle District of Oromia.

They belong to the larger ethnic group of the Oromos, who represent the majority of the Ethiopian population. The Karrayyu community stands as one of the few remaining Oromo ethnic subgroups that have successfully preserved the original Oromo lifestyle and culture. One notable aspect is their adherence to the traditional religion of Waaqeffanna, which holds deep spiritual significance for the Karrayyu people.

They are governed by the Gada system, an ancient and complex form of African democracy. The Gadaa ceremony is the most important event for Ethiopia's Karrayyu tribe. Dating back possibly millennia, this tradition that signals a transfer of power takes place only once every 8 years. That is why Karrayyu is seen as the guardians of the Oromo cultural heritage of the Horn of Africa.

Despite facing external influences, such as Islam and Christianity, the Karrayyu have resiliently resisted the adoption of foreign religions, choosing to uphold their ancestral beliefs. However, it is important to note that, like many communities around the world, some individuals within the Karrayyu community have gradually embraced Islam or Christianity over time. This process of religious conversion reflects the complex dynamics of cultural change and individual choices within the community.

The Gunfura Karrayyu men's indigenous hairstyle is a traditional hairstyle worn by the Karrayyu ethnic group in Ethiopia. The Gunfura hairstyle is known for its unique appearance, and it is fascinating to note that the Karrayyu people utilize butter to style their hair. It is often styled with intricate braids and adorned with beads and other accessories.

Methodologically, I used descriptive research design to describe the 'Gunfura' of Karrayyu men's hairstyle. For the reason that the nature of the topic itself forced me to decide to use this approach.  Descriptive research design involves the description, recording, analysis, and interpretation of data. Therefore, to scrutinize 'Gunfura', some tips for maintaining and caring for it, and symbolic and cultural meanings associated with 'Gunfura' hairstyle, approach were employed. To do so, the study is mainly based on interviews which are categorized under descriptive research design.  To select informants for an interview, I employed purposive and snowball sampling. Purposive sampling is a form of non-probability sampling in which decisions concerning the individuals to be included in the sample are taken by the researcher, based upon a variety of criteria which may include specialist knowledge of the research issue, or capacity and willingness to participate in the research. Accordingly, purposive sampling was used to select the participants for this study based on their experience and knowledge.

Data analysis is one of the most important stages of any research. It is a step-by-step examination of issues and their connections. Any researcher has the responsibility of analysing data to meet his/her objectives as well as to make the findings ready for scholarly consumption. The analysis was guided by the research questions and objectives. Therefore, after data collection was completed for this study, I analysed and gave meaning to the collected data and wrote in scientific language. In general, the qualitative data was presented in a descriptive form throughout the writing. Accordingly, the Gunfura of Karrayyu men's indigenous hairstyle was discussed as follows.

Gunfura and Its Meaning Form the Native Point of View

According to one of my informants (MK), he told me about Gunfura as follows;

Gunfura is the way Karrayyu men, especially young men, decorate their hair. Karrayyu people said, 'Gunfura is considered as 'horn of a man. It is a symbol of beauty and a man's pride. No one adorns Gunfura unless he is an expert. An expert shape the front and back of the hair. Even if it is going long, experts will cut it off and shorten it to make it attractive. There is an indigenous comb exceptionally prepared for this purpose including butter and other materials. It may take 30 minutes to an hour for a single man to sit under an expert and adorn Gunfura. The time it takes depends on the nature of the hair of the individual. The man who is adorned with Gunfura lies down on a wooden pillow. If he wants to change sides during sleep, he transfers the wooden pillow to where he wants to lie down. In this way, the Gunfura can last up to a week. Once the Gunfura is made, it is not touched by hand. In the past, the Karrayyu man did not shave his Gunfura except in times of mourning or if he was in trouble. Now, because of the influence of modernity and other factors, the number of men adorning themselves with Gunfura has decreased.

The time it takes to create the "Gunfura of Karrayyu" hairstyle can vary depending on factors such as the length and thickness of the hair, the skill of the hairstylist, and the complexity of the design. Generally, it can take several hours or even a whole day to complete this hairstyle.

Figure 1: Karrayyu Man with His Gunfura (Source: BBC Afaan Oromo, 2023).

Figure 2: Karrayyu Men with Their Gunfura at the Cultural Event (Source: Eric L., 2016).

It is important to note that creating this hairstyle requires expertise and experience, so it is usually done by professional hairstylists who specialize in Karrayyu hairstyles. Additionally, it is recommended to consult with a hairstylist who is familiar with this specific style to get a more accurate estimate of the time required. To create the 'Gunfura' hairstyle, the Karrayyu men allow their hair to grow naturally without combing or brushing it.

Some Tips for Maintaining and Caring for the Gunfura of Karrayyu Hairstyle

To maintain the Gunfura hairstyle, the Karrayyu men often use natural oils or butter to moisturize their hair and keep it healthy. They may also occasionally re-twist or re-arrange their locs to maintain their desired shape. According to my informant (HI), there are some tips for maintaining and caring for this hairstyle:

Moisturize: Keep your hair moisturized by using natural oils like shea butter or coconut oil. This will help prevent dryness and breakage.

Protect at night: Before going to bed, wrap your hair in a satin or silk scarf to prevent friction and maintain the hairstyle's shape.

Avoid excessive heat: Limit the use of heat styling tools like flat irons or curling irons, as they can cause damage to your hair. If you must use heat, use a heat protectant spray.

Regular washing: Wash your hair regularly using a gentle shampoo and conditioner. This will help keep your scalp clean and your hair healthy.

Avoid tight hairstyles: Avoid tight hairstyles that pull on your hair, as this can lead to breakage and damage to the Gunfura style.

Trim regularly: Trim your hair regularly to get rid of split ends and keep the hairstyle looking fresh.

Protect from the elements: Protect your hair from harsh weather conditions like sun exposure or extreme cold by wearing a hat or scarf.

Remember, the Gunfura of Karrayyu hairstyle is a delicate style that requires proper care and maintenance to keep it looking its best.

Symbolic and Cultural Meanings Associated with Gunfura Hairstyle

Regarding any specific cultural or religious meanings associated with this hairstyle, it's important to note that hairstyles often hold cultural significance and can represent various aspects of identity, spirituality, or social status within a community.

Traditionally, the "Gunfura of Karrayyu" hairstyle is reserved for members of the Karrayyu community and is an important part of their identity and cultural heritage. It is not typically worn by individuals outside of the Karrayyu community. Therefore, the 'Gunfura' of Karrayyu men's indigenous hairstyle is not only a cultural tradition but also holds symbolic significance for the Karrayyu people. It represents their identity, heritage, and connection to their indigenous roots.

The Gunfura hairstyle is passed down from generation to generation and is typically worn by men. It is believed that wearing this hairstyle brings good luck and protection from evil spirits. The hairstyle also serves as a way for the Karrayyu people to distinguish themselves from other ethnic groups in the region. The Gunfura hairstyle is considered a symbol of masculinity, strength, and cultural identity among the Karrayyu men. It is often worn during important ceremonies and rituals within their community.

One such ceremony is the "Hair Cutting Ceremony," which marks the transition of young boys into manhood. During this ceremony, the boy's hair is cut in the Gunfura style, symbolizing his entrance into adulthood. The ceremony is a significant rite of passage and is celebrated with great importance and festivity. Additionally, the Gunfura hairstyle may also be worn during other cultural events, such as weddings, festivals, and traditional gatherings. It serves as a visual representation of the Karrayyu men's cultural heritage and pride.

Generally, the 'Gunfura' of Karrayyu men's indigenous hairstyle is an important cultural symbol for the Karrayyu people, representing their connection to their heritage and their unique identity within Ethiopia.

Africa's symbol of rich cultural heritage is the traditional African hairstyles. In old African social orders, the hairstyle was a huge element that represented status.  The Karrayyu are a pastoralist group that belongs to the Oromo of Ethiopia, known for their distinctive hairstyles, known as the Gunfura style. This hairstyle is often characterized by intricate braiding and unique adornments, such as beads or cowrie shells. The Gunfura hairstyle holds cultural significance for the Karrayyu people, serving as a symbol of identity, tradition, and beauty within their community. The intricate designs and decorations often carry specific cultural meanings and may vary based on factors such as age, marital status, and ceremonial events.

Biography: Mr. Kebede Lemu is a Lecturer of Social Anthropology and Postgraduate Coordinator of Social Sciences and Humanities at Bule Hora University. He got his MA in Social Anthropology from Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia. Since, 2015, He has taught at Bule Hora University in Ethiopia. During his career, he has published one book and eleven articles in international journals. Mr. Kebede served as a reviewer for several journals and conferences. Most of his paper has focused on conflict resolution mechanisms, developments, gender issues, and Indigenous knowledge.

Ms. Aregash Eticha Sefera is a Lecturer of Social Anthropology at Bule Hora University, Ethiopia. She got her MA in Social Anthropology from Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia. Since, 2015, she has taught at Bule Hora University in Ethiopia. During her career, she has published one book and six articles in international journals. Ms. Aregash served as a reviewer for several journals and conferences. Most of her paper has focused on gender issues, conflict resolution mechanisms, and Indigenous knowledge.

I would like to express my special thanks to my family members Sena, Lemi, Sifan, Dame and Lelo for their care and help as well.

Authors' contributions: Kebede Lemu Bekelcha completes the writing of the article. The author read and approved the final manuscript.

Funding: Not applicable.

Declarations

Availability of data and materials: Not applicable.

Declarations Ethics approval and consent to participate: Not applicable.

Consent for publication: Not applicable.

Competing interests: Not applicable.

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