Senegalese Twists

Senegalese TwistsMedium: Acrylic and Oil on 16" x 20" CanvasAvailability: 1 of 1 Original Please enquire for acquisition details. From Senegal, West Africa. Rao is a traditional Senegalese twisting technique that the diaspora often calls Senegalese twists. Done by hand, two strands are rolled tightly in opposite directions, then twisted together to create a firm, rope like texture. In Wolof, twisting is fal, and the technique is nothie, a practice also used to twist

Medium: Acrylic and Oil on 16" x 20" Canvas
Availability: 1 of 1 Original Please enquire for acquisition details.

From Senegal, West Africa.

Rao is a traditional Senegalese twisting technique that the diaspora often calls Senegalese twists. Done by hand, two strands are rolled tightly in opposite directions, then twisted together to create a firm, rope-like texture. In Wolof, twisting is falé, and the technique is nothie, a practice also used to twist cotton threads before weaving.

Historically, Senegalese women used yoss (black-dyed vegetable fibres) as extensions, adorning styles with gold, pearls, and headwraps such as the ndioumbal or taggal.

Modern versions may use synthetic hair, but the signature rope-like finish comes from the same method: each strand rolled first, then joined.

This is a one-of-a-kind original artwork.
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