Cornrows as Codes: The Untold Story of Survival and Resistance in Slavery

Cornrows are more than a traditional African hairstyle, they carry deep historical meaning and, according to oral traditions and some historical accounts, may have played a crucial role during slavery.

It is believed that during the transatlantic slave trade, enslaved Africans found creative and subtle ways to communicate and survive. One such method was through the intricate patterns of cornrows, also known as canerows, named after the sugarcane fields where many slaves were forced to work.

One powerful story traces this practice back to Colombia in the late 1500s, where a freedom fighter named Benkos Biohó reportedly used cornrows as a tool of resistance. Women would braid elaborate maps and escape routes into their hair, allowing them to guide others northward to freedom without attracting suspicion. The patterns, often curved or tightly woven, symbolized roads, paths, or even coded messages.

Cornrows weren’t only used for navigation. They also served as practical storage. Some women hid gold trinkets and seeds within their braids—small treasures that would help them start new lives once they escaped. The seeds would later be used to plant crops and ensure survival after liberation.

While some of these accounts are passed down through oral history and may be debated by scholars, the cultural significance of cornrows as a symbol of resilience, resistance, and identity is undeniable.

Cornrows were not just about beauty, they were about survival, strength, and strategy.