Who: Anna-Riikka Kauppinen
Where: Faculty of Social Sciences, Free University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands
What: Beauty ideals in Ghana
How long: 3 months of courses, 3 months of field research, 4 months of writing

What attracted you to beauty in Ghana?
I had read how missionaries introduced European beauty ideals in Africa during colonial times. Both women and men used palm oil, for example, to make their skin silky smooth. But missionaries would say: "It looks disgusting. Wash your body." I found it intruiging how such an intimate aspect of daily life was intruded. I was curious what beauty ideals would look like now in the age of global mass media.

But why Ghana?
I'd never been to Africa before and I didn't know where to start. Both my superviors are specialised in Ghana and when I was talking to them, Ghana seemed a perfect country to do my research in. Beauty is very, very important in Ghanaian society.

So what was it like to be in Ghana for the first time?
Oh, it was amazing! As an anthropology student fieldwork is the most important part of the research process: being immersed in another culture. And that is what I did. I lived with a host family and they became very close to me. I was treated like their daughter and I still call the girls from the family my sisters.

When did you realise that you had become one of them?
It's hard to define one particular moment. But once I was sitting with my sisters under a mango tree. We were all eating from the same plate. Sitting together and sharing food is a sign of ultimate friendship. But overall, it was the total experience. The women of the family would take me along to beauty salons, to engagement parties, family meetings - everywhere.

What was that like?
I was taken to an engagement party once. During the event the elders of the family, who are considered to have the most life experience and wisdom, would talk to the couple who were getting married and offer them life advise - on how to be a good husband and wife and how to take care of children, and so on.

Any advise you could pass on to us?
I didn't understand all of it as they were speaking in their native language (laughs). But some was translated for me. I remember one very basic rule: 'If you take care of someone, one will take care of you.' I think there is a truth in there.

Sounds like you had a informative time during all these parties.
Yes, indeed. I've experienced the getting-ready-for-party process many times. Choosing appropriate clothes, ironing them, bathing, doing make-up and hair. If you smell nice and look neat you are considered respectable and a true Christian. I found it striking how beautiful Ghanaian women look however hot the weather.  If you see a Western girl, like me, walking in the street - they look sweaty with messy hair. And Ghanians look tip top. It's amazing. Once 'grandma' stopped me before I wanted to go out. "First iron your clothes", she said.

Read more on Anna's thesis about beauty ideals in Ghana

More on the African Thesis Award 2011.