Africa is the motherland of many inventions that have had an important impact that changed the world. In the history period, we can see Art, language, writing, and the calendar that changed the entire course of human history. But Africa’s impact on the world did not stop there. In the modern era, Africa is known for its shea butter which grows in 19 countries across the continent, the Cobalt in mobile phones from the Democratic Republic of Congo, the most aromatic coffee originated from Ethiopia where it naturally grows, and more.
In the cultural world, Africans are proud of their garments made in Dashiki, kitenge, and their hairstyle. They wear their afro hair, naturally, braided, or dreadlocked. Unfortunately, their most popular hairstyle “dreadlocks” is not originally from Africa.
Dreadlocks are a hairstyle with tightly matted or coiled strands of hair. It is achieved through a process of intentionally allowing hair to mat and form into distinct, rope-like strands.
Two hypotheses are put in the equation to discover the origin of the uncombed hair. On one hand, dreadlocks should have originated with the Rastafari movement and are believed to be a sign of deep faith in Christianity. The locks of hair are mentioned in the Bible.
Numbers 6:5 New American Standard Bible – NASB 1995 (NASB1995) ‘All the days of his vow of separation no razor shall pass over his head. He shall be holy until the days are fulfilled for which he separated himself to the LORD; he shall let the locks of hair on his head grow long.
On the other hand, it is believed to come from the first encounter between African warriors’ intimidating appearance, including dreadlocks and the European colonizers.
Either way, dreadlocks give the impression of a connection to the African legacy. But can we assert it?
The origin of dreadlocks is believed to be quite ancient, with the evidence dating back thousands of years across various cultures and regions. Ancient Hindu texts, known as the Vedas, dating back to 1500BC reveal Lord Shiva wearing Jaṭā (mattened hair) locks. Another Evidence of Dreadlocks is Greek figurative evidence dating back to the Veda texts and found in Frescos (Santorini), Egypt, and the Middle East.
Dreadlocks are culturally significant in many societies and can symbolize various things, such as spirituality, rebellion, or a connection to the heritage. Here they are:
African heritage: African traditions and dreadlocks are strongly related, especially among different ethnic groups in East and West Africa. Dreadlocks have long been associated with spirituality, identity, and cultural pride in many African civilizations. Numerous African tribes and groups have their unique dreadlock-related practices and traditions.
Rastafarianism: Dreadlocks and Rastafarianism are commonly associated with current culture. The early 20th century saw the emergence of Rastafarianism in Jamaica, which has its roots in African mysticism and a denial of colonial influences. Dreadlocks are frequently worn by Rastafarians as a method to show their ties to Africa and their resistance to Babylon.
Hinduism: In India, dreadlocks are associated with certain sects of Hindu ascetics and holy men known as sadhus. Sadhus grow their hair long and frequently style it into jata or matted dreadlocks. Dreadlocks represent spiritual fervor and renunciation to them.
To sum up, asserting that Dreadlocks are originally from Africa will be a cultural appropriation and a social injustice for other cultures. Dreadlocks have cultural and historical significance that vary widely among individuals and communities. Key points to note about the origin of dreadlocks include ancient roots, African Heritage, Rastafarianism, cross-cultural adoption, and modern popularity of the dreadlocks.
