The Journey of Henna: From North Africa to the Rest of the African Continent

Photo taken from Brown girl Magazine: Photographer unknown

Henna isn’t just a beautiful art form – it’s a tradition rich with history, culture, and significance. While it may be most commonly known for its intricate designs and vibrant color, henna’s story stretches far beyond its cosmetic uses. From its beginnings in ancient Egypt, henna spread across North Africa and beyond, leaving its mark on many cultures and eventually making its way into the rest of the African subcontinent.

How Henna Took Root in North Africa
The story of henna in North Africa starts with Egypt, where the art of henna first blossomed. As Egypt interacted with neighboring regions, including Berbers and Arabs, henna made its way across the region. In North Africa, henna was embraced not only for its beauty but also for its healing and spiritual properties. The Berbers, in particular, adapted henna into their culture, using it for everything from special occasions to therapeutic purposes.

​For the people of North Africa, henna became a key part of personal and communal identity. It was used for weddings, religious ceremonies, and festivals – adorning the hands and feet of both women and men. Over time, it grew into an art form, with designs that ranged from simple patterns to intricate works of art

The Arab Influence: A Boost for Henna's Spread
The Arab expansion in the 7th and 8th centuries played a huge role in spreading henna across North Africa. As the Arab empire expanded, so did cultural practices like henna. For many, henna wasn’t just a beautifying tool – it had spiritual significance too. It was used during major life events like weddings and Ramadan, seen as a symbol of personal care and spiritual well-being.
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East African Henna Designs

The blending of Arab culture with that of the Berber people meant that henna became deeply woven into the fabric of everyday life. It wasn’t long before the practice spread throughout other parts of the African continent, especially in regions where Islam had made its mark.

How Trade and Migration Helped Henna Travel Across Africa
North Africa’s strategic location, with its access to Mediterranean trade routes and Saharan pathways, made it a perfect launching point for the spread of henna. Traders, merchants, and nomadic groups such as the Bedouins and Berbers carried the practice far and wide, from the Arabian Peninsula through North Africa and into the sub-Saharan region.
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As the Islamic faith spread across Africa, particularly in West and Central Africa, henna was also adopted in these regions. It wasn’t just about fashion – henna became an important cultural and spiritual practice. It was tied to Islamic traditions, marking life’s milestones and celebrations. Whether for a wedding or a religious festival, henna’s cultural significance deepened as it traveled across the continent.

Henna’s Impact in the African Subcontinent
While henna had firmly taken root in North Africa, its influence reached far beyond, making its way into West and East Africa. In West African countries like Senegal, Mali, and Niger, henna became a symbol of beauty and status. The designs weren’t just beautiful; they were a way to showcase one’s culture and identity. Women adorned their hands and feet with intricate henna patterns during weddings and celebrations, with each design telling its own story.
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In East Africa, particularly along the Swahili coast, henna also found its place. As Islam spread throughout East Africa, henna followed. In countries like Kenya and Tanzania, henna became a staple in weddings, festivals, and everyday life, where the vibrant designs continued to reflect the cultural richness of the region.

In West Africa, henna designs are made with thin strips that leave spaces where the henna doesn’t stain, creating bold, straight-line patterns. Photo Credit: Katie Orlinsky

Henna Today: A Living Tradition Across Africa
Fast forward to today, and henna is more popular than ever in Africa. Whether you’re in Morocco, Nigeria, or Tanzania, henna continues to be used in both traditional and modern ways. While some still use it for its therapeutic benefits or spiritual rituals, many also see it as an art form, creating beautiful, temporary tattoos with intricate designs. In fact, henna has become a global trend, with people all over the world embracing it for both its cultural significance and its beauty.

In North Africa, henna is still an essential part of weddings and festivals, with elaborate designs adorning brides and celebrants alike. In sub-Saharan Africa, the tradition is just as strong, with henna artists continuing to create stunning designs, often inspired by local customs and modern styles.

Why Henna Still Matters
Henna’s journey from Egypt to North Africa and the rest of Africa tells a story of cultural exchange, migration, and tradition. It’s not just about the art – it’s about identity, beauty, spirituality, and community.

​Today, henna continues to be celebrated across Africa, a living tradition that has evolved and adapted but still holds onto its deep cultural roots. From the intricate designs on a bride’s hands to the soothing properties used to heal wounds, henna remains a timeless symbol of beauty, care, and connection.
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So next time you see a beautiful henna design, remember – it’s not just a pretty picture, it’s a story of tradition, culture, and the journey of a remarkable plant that has traveled through time and across continents. ​

For Futrher Reading:
1. The history of Jewish Henna Rituals by Noam Sienna    

• ​Noam Sienna a graduate student at the University of Minnesota in the Department of History. This blog is focused on Jewish henna rituals and their uses in both traditional and modern contexts and Includes a wealth of pictures, interviews, oberservations, stories and references from various sources. This blog covers various henna traditions through out the Continent of Africa and well worth diving into the rabbit whole. 

2. Henna: Uses of it in Middle East and North Africa by Dianne Humphrey-Newell

• ​This is a Dissertation and thesis written by Dianne Humphrey-Newell for her MA in Anthropology for Portland State University. This can be download for free. 

​3. “Nallê Art: Notes on Some Aspects of Henna Application among the Kanuri People of Borno,”  by Al-amin, U. (2018) Journal of Science, Humanities and Arts - JOSHA. JOSHA, GmbH.