Dreadlocks are among the most powerful of the world’s recognizable styles of hair. And so they are: Bold, gorgeous and loaded with meaning, they hold the the kind of cultural and spiritual weight that reverberates throughout millennia.
But where do dreadlocks actually come from? It’s not just one place, not only one culture. Dreadlocks are old, and they are also worldwide and symbolic.
In this guide, let’s help reveal the origins of dreadlocks, their cultural significance, and the history you should be aware of.
The Ancient Origins of Dreadlocks
Dreadlocks are not a new trend. Documented history and archaeological evidence reveal that locked hair has been worn for millennia. Some of our earliest evidence for locked hair comes from the African continent, and we believe that ancient Egyptians once wore locked hairstyles.
Mummies’ graves have been discovered with hair still on the noggin, so that tells you how long the tradition goes back.
Dreadlocks also carry great spiritual significance in Indian culture. This is a very ancient sect, who consider itself but little above the brutes, as they never kill, and, unlike the higher classes of Hindoos never shave, but wear their hair long and matted with grease and dust, which gives to them a most unsightly appearance.
Dreadlocks are regarded as a connection to the divine in key Hindu texts, and are associated with the Hindu god Shiva, who is often depicted with the hairstyle himself.
The Greeks and other ancient societies also wrote and created art that depicted people with twisted or braided hair, indicating that dreadlocks were not specific to one area but were present across cultures.
African Dreadlocks and the Rastafarian Movement
There is a strong association between dreadlocks and Africa. For centuries, many African tribes have worn locks as a representation of power, spirituality and identity. Still today, dreadlocks are a cultural symbol for the Maasai people of East Africa, worn unapologetically by warriors and elders alike.
Jump forward to the 20th century, and the dreadlocks achieved global recognition by way of the Rasta movement in Jamaica. Rastafarians wear dreadlocks as a symbol of spiritual intent to their God, called Jah amongst practitioners.
The look signifies a renunciation of Babylon (metaphor for oppression and corruption) and a dedication to living naturally and spiritually. The international icon Bob Marley made dreadlocks mainstream and a sign of resistance, belief, and liberty.
More Than a Hairstyle
Dreadlocks have meant many things in many places and for many reasons. To others, they symbolise a sense of spirituality and connectedness to the divine.
For others, they symbolise heritage, strength, or defiance to oppression. And though today, many wear dreadlocks more as a fashion or personal choice, we must remember that they have deep cultural meaning.
What You Should Know Today
If you’re thinking about wearing them yourself, the history of dreadlocks is critically important to know. They are not a trend but a hairstyle rooted in centuries of history. From the ancient Egyptians to Hindu holy men, African tribes to Rastafarian followers, the dreadlocks look has always stood for something bigger than itself.
To respect this history is to understand that dreadlocks are more than a look. They are a bridge to culture, identity and spirituality that crosses continents and generations.
Last Words
So then where did dreadlocks come from? The reality is, they appeared in various cultures around the world — Africa, India, Greece and then some. They’re old, they’re magical, and they’re simply there.
From those that are a tattoo to a belief in the divine, to just a fashion statement or cultural heritage, dreadlocks have a story that predates humanity itself. The next time you see a crown of dreadlocks, remember, it’s not just hair. It’s history.
