What makes a woman beautiful?

The Athenian philosopher, Plato is credited with the statement: “Beauty lies in the eye of the beholder,” a much-used quote, which is as true today as it was in circa 330BCE, when it was first voiced.

Africa is said to be the cradle of civilization and many of the ancient beauty secrets evolved from there. The ancient queens Cleopatra, Nefertiti and Esther were well versed in the art of beauty treatments and secrets of womanhood, a few of which have trickled down even to our present age.

I have often wondered at what stage the Western concept of beauty has crept into the rich and beautiful continent of Africa, to the extent that it has almost totally eclipsed our traditional values and the African pride. The strategic branding, appealing packaging and aggressive marketing have brainwashed the African woman into believing that the Western theory of beauty is superior and therefore more desirable. The well-developed fashion industries of Paris, Milan and New York are the self-acclaimed pacesetters and the rest of the world appears to have followed sheepishly.

For too long, the African woman believed that she needed to conform to the Caucasian norms. Cosmetic companies quickly cashed in by providing a myriad of harmful bleaching and toning creams, because it was falsely believed that the lighter the skin, the greater the beauty. In Nigeria, this same trend is celebrated. Everything foreign is perceived to be superior to the extent that the modern, sophisticated Nigerian woman just stops short of re-creating herself. The accepted standard for a working class lady is long false fingernails, ‘toned’ skin, and Peruvian, Indian or Brazilian hair extensions or wigs. The longer, the better. Makeup artists are not to be outdone. They have perfected the art of contouring and shade the faces of their clients, making their noses look slim and pointed. 

Who determines beauty? What is the standard? Who sets the trend? Who or what decides the followers?

In Nigeria, each region sports its own culture and traditions and concepts of beauty. Traditionally, the Efiks, and some other Niger Delta ethnic groups, favoured the plump and well-rounded woman. Likewise, the Yorubas in the West, cherished the ample hips and bosom, while in Northern Nigeria, the slender figure, pointed nose and large eyes, and henna-stained hands and feet, counted as beautiful attributes.

Present day Nigeria has witnessed a hesitant awakening of the authenticity of the African Woman. While many still feel the need to wear wigs and extensions to enhance their beauty Western style, a few have dared to be different by ‘going natural’ and proudly sporting their kinky hair and abstaining from bleaching creams. Natural products like shea butter, coconut oil and henna have also found their way back into many a modern day woman’s beauty routine. Likewise, African prints, commonly referred to as Ankara, and woven materials have enjoyed increased attention over recent years on Nigeria’s fashion scene, especially as they seem to have been ‘validated’ in many fashion shows and quite recently the famed singer Beyoncé sported an Ankara dress on stage, which moved its acceptance a few notches higher. 

Nevertheless, beyond the smooth shea butter-moisturised skin; the glistening, coconut oil-infused, intricately woven braids and hairstyles; beyond the sandalwood scented bodies and the artistic henna designs on hands and feet; beyond the latest Ankara and lace fashions, or the traditional Aso-oke, Ikaki or Akwa-ocha wrappers, the real beauty of the Nigerian woman lies in her soul. Real beauty can be detected in herself-respect and character; her poise, her comportment. Smiles that reaches the eyes and can melt hearts, kindness, honesty, and self-acceptance. She is without guile nor pretensions, a woman who makes no excuses for her elaborate features; a woman who knows how wonderfully and deliberately she has been created; Dignity, pride, and inner strength makes a woman truly beautiful. 

Written by Sonye Allanah