History of Dreadlocks

History of Dreadlocks

Dreadlocks, sometimes called simply locks or dreads, are matted ropes of hair which will form by themselves if the hair is allowed to grow naturally without combing. Or intentionally formed using various methods to encourage their formation such as backcombing sections of the hair, twisting or a process involving the weaving of the hair with a crochet hook to form knots.

Although the term 'dreadlock' was originally associated with the Rastafari community, people of various cultures have worn, and continue to wear locks, including the Hindu Shiva worshippers of India, European Celts, various African communities, and the Sufisof Pakistan.

History

The precise date of origin of the hairstyle is unknown. However dates range from 5000 BCE to 1500 BCE. The roots of dreadlocks can be trailed to the Rastafarians of Jamaica, and further, to Indian sages and yogis, but they have never been more popular or widespread than they are today. It is said that dreadlocks originated with eastern holy men, possessing nothing, renouncing the world and possessions (not even a comb) and even personal grooming, hence the inevitable dreadlocks.

The first known examples of dreadlocks date back to North Africa. In ancient dynastic Egypt examples of Egyptians wearing locked hairstyles have appeared on artifacts as well as mummified remains from archaeological sites.

The locked Hindu deity shiva and his followers were described in the scriptures as "wearing twisted locks of hair". The Celts also wore dreadlocks and were described as having 'hair like snakes'. Germanic tribes, the Vikings, the Greeks, the Pacific Islanders, the Naga people and several ascetic groups within various major religions have at times worn their hair in locks, including the monks of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, the Nazirites of Judaism and the Sadhus of Hinduism. The very earliest Christians also may have worn this hairstyle. Particularly noteworthy are descriptions of James the Just, brother of Jesus and first Bishop of Jerusalem, who wore them to his ankles. Locks may have also been part of Mexican culture before the 16th century spanish conquest.

Variations such as the Polish plait were initially treated as an amulet supposed to bring good health and was often worn in combination with extremely long fingernails. These fashions were reserved mainly for noblemen and ascetics, who wished to advertise their freedom from menial labor and earthly attachment.
The Baye Fall, arising from Senegal, wear locks which are called ndiange or 'strong hair' in imitation of Ibrahima Fall, chief disciple of the spiritual guide Shaykh Aḥmadu Bàmba Mbàkke with the goal to cultivate a unique relationship with God through the Shaykh. The Ngati Dreads or Māori Rastafarians, indigenous people of New Zealand, combine the Rasta teaching with the teachings of Te Kooti Arikirangi Te Turuki, a Māori leader and the founder of the Ringatu religion who preached belief in God and the rejection of Māori tohungaism.