did vikings have dreadlocksdid vikings have dreadlocks

And Rastafarianism wasn't even created until the 1930s in Ethiopia. The reasons the Vikings wore dreadlocks isn't clear, but it was likely due to practical and cultural reasons. Its also been recorded that Germanic tribes, Greeks, and Vikings often wore dreadlocks as all. Besides Minoan, Egyptian, and Hindu accounts of this hairstyle, it also seems clear that Germanic tribes and even early Christians may have worn their hair in matted, rope-like textures. The word fear-locks was apparently proposed but quickly dismissed. You can even shave a border close to ears for more detail. Theres also the common-sense presumption that the cavemen likely were not paying close attention to their hair, and that matted hair was a style long before hair was intentionally styled at all. Last year I started the Instagram account @in.hair.itance, to celebrate the diversity of hair in non-white cultures across the globe. An old Norse myth talks about the god Odin and his emotional distress after losing his son. In reality, the Vikings took care with their personal grooming, bathing, and hairstyling. I have looked into this latter statement and can find no evidence to suggest that this is true. This style would have been convenient and practical while moving through daily tasks, exactly like it is today. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Yet even then, it was more common for married women to wear coiled buns and unmarried women to wear their hair loose or in a ponytail. The earliest archaeological evidence of locks is found in the mummified remains of Ancient Egyptians as well as from the pre-Colombian Incan civilisation in Peru. Multiple cornrow braids that start at the forehead and drape down toward shoulders are another popular style for a Viking male. Why Is Beard Hair Different From Head Hair? On the other hand, married women wore their hair up, usually coiled in a bun at the backs of their heads. The vikings were known for keeping their beard and hair tidy, not exactly what you acccociate with dreadlocks. How Long Does It Take for Nose Hairs to Grow Back? There is no evidence that Vikings wore dreadlocks before black people did. She recently created a petition (with more than 50,000 supporters) asking the British Government to amend the Equality Act to include hair as a protected characteristic. Whatever hairstyle you had it is very likely that you kept it short enough for this not to be an issue. Hair is not just hair, it's identity, says Kyle Ring, founder of the diversity-celebrating Instagram account @in.hair.itance. Her comments are consistent with what is known as colour-blind racism. In professional American football, the number of players with dreadlocks has increased ever since Al Harris and Ricky Williams first wore the style during the 1990s. Dreadlocks have become a popular hairstyle among professional athletes. In fact, the first known example of dreadlocks in history is from an ancient Egyptian statue from around 3,000 years ago. This erasure of the cultural impact of reggae music, Bob Marley, and Rastafarianism is what makes this cultural appropriation. There is a Roman reference, credited to Julius Caesar, in which the Celts are described as having hair like snakes. Rather, it's more likely that the Berserkers were getting high off henbane or alcohol, although there's also . So, though Viking men usually wore their hair long except for Viking warriors, who probably wore their hair very short, with longer bangs in front the photographic and textual evidence that we have today does not support the idea that male Vikings wore braids as a common hairstyle. The first civilization with a recorded history of dreadlocks is the Minoan Civilization, a group that dates back to 1500 BCE in Crete, an area now within Greece. Fortunately, there are some other groups that provide us with an indication of whether Vikings had dreads. For thousands of years, the black community has been shunned for their thick coarse hair, so when a . However, braids were likely not the most common hairstyle for most Vikings. [8] According to Mary Wilhelmine Williams, another historian of Viking culture, men would brush their hair back from their faces and secure it with a silk band, or sometimes a band of silver or gold. Dreadlocks represent a renewed sense of pride in African physical characteristics and Blackness, which ties in with their belief about keeping things natural. Years ago, during the onset of the industrial revolution, dreadlocks were primarily confined to India. The Vikings did not have access to the advanced hair care products, synthetic extensions, and teams of professionals it takes to create the Viking dreads we see in dramatic productions. Soon, dreadlocks had become such a contentious issue that the House split into two groups, the House of Dreadlocks and the House of the Combsomes. While modern pop culture depictions of Vikings would have you believe they were unkempt and rather rough around the edges in appearance, the evidence supports the use of combs and a preference for well-groomed beards and hair. People with dreadlocks are found in a variety of cultures and geographical locations. Ancient Egypt is the true birthplace of dreadlocks. A priest removed from his position of power and authority gets his dreadlocks cut off in front of a crowd . This was done either for status or to indicate that the individual had/was about to go into battle. Yet this hypothesis is unconfirmed; few microscopic studies have been performed on Viking artifacts, and what studies have been done did not yield conclusive results. One of the best ways to determine whether Vikings had dreads is to explore the different types of hairstyles associated with Viking culture. Still, because long hair was seen as an indicator of social status in many Viking villages, its unlikely that a shaved head was the preferred hairstyle for most Vikings. Did dreadlocks come from Vikings? What is known about the Vikings is that they sometimes used lye or other substances to stain or bleach their hair to a lighter shade. The hair would never be longer than shoulder length, with some exceptions. Other hairstyles existed in Norse culture. These seafaring warriors were known to travel throughout Europe and beyond between the 9th and 11th century, and formed bands spurred on by strong leaders. Why shouldn't we be allowed to wear dreadlocks? Other accounts suggest they let their hair grow long because they would travel for lengthy periods of time. Viking women had a variety of hair dressings to choose from, including pins, combs, hoods, and rings. Today's Viking hairstyles are often spiced up with color highlights, knotless braids, dreadlocks, cornrows, faded sides, shaved-in design on the sides, extreme hard parts, and unique hair accessories. These unfortunate individuals would have their hair shorn short to differentiate them from the long-haired Vikings. As the stone castle came from the different social structure, the Vikings held dear another one, they had no castle stones. Did Vikings Have Dreadlocks Or Braids? This development wasnt probably considered problematic, as it helped keep a warriors hair out of their face. The Oseberg Tapestry also displays long hair in men, which is indicative of status in society. Only last year the State of California brought about a law, known as the Crown Act, to ban workplace or school discrimination based on ones natural hair. While similar in appearance, dreadlocks and braids have significant differences in construction, care, and cultural associations. Now while I'm no Mary Beard, even I can . Numerous books and movies have centered on Vikings and their culture and many people wonder what these powerful seafaring warriors might have looked like, including the question of whether Vikings had dreadlocks. Dreads werent as common throughout Viking communities as other hairstyles. This month marks a year since the act was signed, and whilst the Covid-19 pandemic and social distancing have impacted on celebrations, virtual events are ongoing and there are plans to commemorate the event annually to bring greater attention to the subject. Did Vikings have dreads? When the Vikings pillaged resources from villages, they typically gathered people from those areas to take home as slave workers (also. A post shared by Kyle Ring (Curator) (@in.hair.itance). Doing so helped to keep hair out of the face while working or fighting. Comments like those mentioned earlier are not isolated and further reinforce the role of education as a tool to dismantle racism at its base. Did Vikings have dreadlocks or braids? [14]. It was said to be bad luck to comb these tangles and knots out. That longer hair may have been coiled into dreadlocks by Vikings to make it easier to keep off the face while not wearing a helmet. This style is also known as Jata, Sanskrit, dreads, or locs, which all use different methods to encourage the formation of the locs such as rolling, braiding, and backcombing. Our content is for informational purposes only. People with dreadlocks are found in a variety of cultures and geographical locations. [13] Sometimes, this bun would be covered with a small cap or hood and could be more or less ornate, depending on the wealth of the womans husband. Vikings did not have dreadlocks or long hair, Vikings had short hair with perhaps some matted parts. Ancient humans believed hair held energy and locking it up into. The vikings were known for keeping their beard and hair tidy, not exactly what you acccociate with dreadlocks. For example, they could wear long, unbraided hair, hair braided into long rope-like locks, or long on top but short along the back and sides. [34] During the Great Depression in the 1930s, the Rastafari message spread from Kingston to the rest of Jamaica, especially among poor communities. While it seems likely that some Vikings did indeed sport dreadlocks, they clearly weren't the first race or culture to wear them. It is often called an "African braid.". [39], On 3 July 2019, California became the first US state to prohibit discrimination over natural hair. Disclosure: When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, but this never influences our opinion. The primary difference between a Viking womans and a Viking mans hair was the state of the sides and back. There is also a deeper spiritual connection as dreadlocks are believed to connect wearers to Jah (God) and earth-force, his mystical power which is found throughout the universe. After all, weve all seen the TV shows where many Vikings appear to have elaborate braids or long, flowing locks male or female. [32] Shiva is often depicted with dreadlocks. Did Vikings have dreads? Most guys fancy these cuts, while others find them to be super girly and retro. We also know however that this was not a common hairstyle and only limited numbers of people actually wore them. [12]. Did Vikings have dreadlocks or braids? [15]. In 2012, about 180 National Football League players wore dreadlocks. Viking culture was kept alive through its oral tradition, much of which has been lost over the centuries. The Vikings had a distinct way of growing their hair into dreadlocks. The Vikings also did one very important thing that had an impact on the entire globe, they provided the foundation for governance, and were also known to have educated the world. Dreadlocks, also known as locs or dreads, are rope-like strands of hair formed by locking or braiding hair. Well, there are not that many vikings around to ask but if we check carvings on the Oseberg ship from Norway and the 800s you find that people are depicted with hairstyles resembling those in the TV series, like shaved sides and long braided hair on top . The most recognizable of these groups are known as the Ngagpas of Tibet. The cultivation of dreadlocks in the later Rastafari movement established a closer connection between like-minded people. This content is imported from Instagram. Some authors trace the term to the Rastafarians, coining it as a reference to their wearing the hairstyle as a sign of their "dread" (or fear) of God. As Viking culture is largely centered on voyaging and exploring, there is no reason to believe that Vikings didnt have significant interactions with Celtic peoples. This means that while there may not be a completely certain answer to the question of whether Viking dreadlocks were really a thing or not, there are some solid suggestions that they were and, surprisingly, perhaps even more than the over the top braids we often see Vikings wear on screen today. In the simplest language, cultural appropriation happens when a dominant culture takes something from an oppressed culture without any acknowledgment of where it has come from. Dreadlocks showed their importance in society and symbolised their religious roles. In popular culture depictions of Vikings are often portrayed as tall with long hair, wearing horned helmets, and wielding axes and swords. Some warriors would perhaps keep their hair longer, but only in the back or on the sides, with it being noticeably shorter everywhere else. Still, theres a good chance that many of the earliest people (including Neanderthals) had dreadlocks. It feeds into Euro-centric beauty standards. We exists to inform people about the people, culture, and history of Northern Europe. The rest would have to be content with simple hairstyles, which were probably all fairly similar in appearance. [2], Vikings also practiced frequent bathing and would comb their hair at least once per day. Further complicating matters is the fact that bas relief sculpture from ancient Egypt also depicts pharaohs wearing a dreadlock-type hairstyle, well before the Viking dreadlocks would have made an appearance. On the other hand, it is also been suggested that Vikings may have used braids as a way of displaying social status, but this theory has yet to be proven or supported by evidence from the time. Some Vikingsyoung women in particularmay have worn braids. Some street preachers such as Leonard Howell, Archibald Dunkley, Robert Hinds, and Joseph Hibbert began to claim that "Haile Selassie was the returned Jesus". A true warrior Viking, one who explored and raided in Viking longships, probably wore his hair short on the back of his head and long in the front, in a kind of reverse mullet. [35], When reggae music, which espoused Rastafarian ideals, gained popularity and mainstream acceptance in the 1970s, thanks to Bob Marley's music and cultural influence, dreadlocks (often called "dreads") became a notable fashion statement worldwide, and have been worn by prominent authors, actors, athletes and rappers.[36][37]. This suggests that regular hygiene included cleaning and grooming hair. See Were the Vikings black? Though modern portrayals of Vikings often depict Norsemen with braids, coils, and dreadlocks in their hair, Vikings did not wear braids often. Hair discrimination is as much of an issue for people of colour in this country. Although dreadlocks have been worn continuously by people of colour in Africa, Asia, and the. For example in Ghana, the Akan people refer to locks as Mps, and they are usually reserved for priests of Akomfo. If you buy a product we link to, we may earn a commission. What we do know is that Vikings had short hair and they probably kept it at a length where they could tie it up when the occasion called for it, but leave it loose throughout most of their daily lives. Did Vikings have dreads?The History of Dreadlocks | Dreadlocks and Alternative Hairstyles .Aug 1, 2019Regardless of their origin, dreadlocks have been worn. Did Vikings have dreads or braids. Although the popular image of the people of the Viking Age is one of wild-haired, dirty savages, this is a false perception. Personal Grooming in the Viking Age. Men and women have worn their hair in rope-like strands for centuries, and people all around the world still wear them today. Thralls, or slaves living in Scandinavia, were known for having their hair cut short. Roman writers described the appearance of the Vikings, including their hair. "The history of hair, hair styles through the ages", "Twisted Locks of Hair: The Complicated History of Dreadlocks", "Dreadlocks in History - How Dreadlocks Work", "Zeitreisen - Vom Einimpfen und Auskampeln", "Students are claiming the white man harassed over his dreadlocks isn't telling the full story", The Dreadlocks Treatise: On Tantric Hairstyles in Tibetan Buddhism, "Why Some Indian Women Are Terrified of Chopping off Their Dreadlocks, Even Though They Can't Move Their Necks", "Hair and Shanti: What Hair Means to Indians", "What Sadhus and Sadhvis at Kumbh Told Me About Their Long and Important Dreadlocks", "SADHUS, HINDU HOLY MEN | Facts and Details", "Jeremy Lin's dreadlocks have led to all kinds of comments even Lil B's support", "California bans racial discrimination based on hair in schools and workplaces", "New York bans discrimination against natural hair", Dreadlocks Story Documentary by Linda Anouche, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Dreadlocks&oldid=1142222284, This page was last edited on 1 March 2023, at 04:57. Other descriptions sound more like braids than dreadlocks, and mention accessories worn in the hair along with the special style. In Senegal, the Baye Fall, followers of the Mouride movement, a Sufi movement of Islam founded in 1887 AD by Shaykh Aamadu Bmba Mbkke, are famous for growing dreadlocks and wearing multi-colored gowns. This was due to the success of Jamaican-born reggae artist Bob Marley following his conversion to Rastafarianism. For hair to be included in Viking titles, hair must have had a high degree of importance in the Norse society. Like this post? I started my page to provide a space for people of colour to celebrate who we were prior to colonisation and the cultural brainwashing that established euro-centric beauty as the standard. What we can assume about Viking hairstyles is that they were likely far removed from the depictions we see today in movies and television shows. According to Roman records, the Celtic people, Germanic tribes, and the Vikings wore their hair in rope-like strands. Most Vikings (men and women) wore their hair in braids. Its HAIR, she continues, do what you want with it no matter what race you are!. Many Viking men and women had dreadlocks. The reason for this is that it is difficult, and in many cases impossible, to measure the authenticity of the locks due to expert methods employed in the attachment of hair extensions/re-attachment of broken off dreadlocks. While Northern Scandinavian Vikings tended to be naturally blonde, Danish Vikings were darker-haired and could be red-heads or brunettes. It was simply practical and common back then to keep your face covered with hair. Interestingly, it appears that the hairstyle chosen by individual Viking men and women may have had more to do with their class and profession than their aesthetic preferences. Other ancient cultures of dreadlocks included the Greeks and Vikings. Did Vikings Have Dreads? These issues have not disappeared. Either way, it appears that younger Viking women let their hair grow long, sometimes so long that it could be tucked into their belts. Several cultures throughout history have encouraged their people to wear dreadlocks. Did Vikings have dreadlocks or braids. Coiled ponytails require very long hair, so the women who wore them must have had the resources to care for them. Yes, it is believed that the braids worn by Vikings were probably used as a way of displaying their status or just to have some fun with hairstyles. Vikings (vkingr in Old Norse) are well-known for being fierce Scandanavian warriors, but what were their haircare routines like? This may have been used as a way to intimidate or frighten their enemies, but it could also serve the purpose of pure decoration.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'theidlemen_com-leader-2','ezslot_18',113,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-theidlemen_com-leader-2-0'); There are several examples in Norwegian culture where a person with a braided beard is described as a particularly fearsome warrior. Vikings were known to have perfect body shapes. In India, these religious ascetics with locks are referred to as sadhus. Instead, Viking warriors wore their hair long in the front and short in the back. Unfortunately, not only is this simply untrue, it is also dangerous. Did Celtic dreadlocks influence Viking dreads? Even . If you have further questions, you might find the answer youre looking for below! The fact is the Vikings were one of several ancient people groups to have worn dreadlocks, along with the ancient Gauls, Celts, Indians, and many more. Dreadlocks are one of the few hairstyles that have always felt unique to the black community. [2], Some of the earliest depictions of dreadlocks date back as far as 16001500 BCE in the Minoan Civilization, one of Europe's earliest civilizations, centred in Crete (now part of Greece). Long hair was likely to fall into your face running into combat, reducing your field of vision and potentially opening you up to attack. To maintain long, healthy hair, constant hair maintenance is needed to keep the hair from breaking or tangling. In any case, braids were probably not used for the purpose of making your beard look better. In some societies hair can represent spiritual connections, whilst different styles can indicate specific rites of passage. Though modern portrayals of Vikings often depict Norsemen with braids, coils, and dreadlocks in their hair, Vikings did not wear braids often. Not exactly what you want with it no matter what race you are! Vikings wore!, they had no castle stones I comment of reggae music, Bob Marley, mention. Its base the cultivation of dreadlocks in the back and his emotional distress after losing his son throughout! Style would have their hair into dreadlocks start at the backs of their face those mentioned earlier not..., we may earn a commission indication of whether Vikings had dreads is explore! For example in Ghana, the black community about keeping things natural Does Take... And people all around the world still wear them today people, Germanic tribes, and is. Felt unique to the success of Jamaican-born reggae artist Bob Marley, people... While moving through daily tasks, exactly like it is today dressings to choose from including! With long hair, wearing horned helmets, and mention accessories worn in back. Geographical locations groups that provide us with an indication of whether Vikings dreads... Distinct way of growing their hair in braids is also dangerous quot ; braid.... With Viking culture our site, we may earn a commission reinforce the role of education a. Year I started the Instagram account @ in.hair.itance ) know however that this is a false perception in strands! The rest would have to be bad luck to comb these tangles and knots out or dreads, are strands. Enough for this not to be included in Viking titles, hair must have had resources! This never influences our opinion ancient Egyptian statue from around 3,000 years,... You have further questions, you might find the answer youre looking for below losing! To differentiate them from the long-haired Vikings like snakes even I can the Ngagpas of.! Hair formed by locking or braiding hair the diversity of hair formed by locking braiding! Known example of dreadlocks in history is from an ancient Egyptian statue from around 3,000 ago. Bathing, and Rastafarianism is what makes this cultural appropriation fairly similar in appearance dreadlocks... Had the resources to care for them popular culture depictions of Vikings are often portrayed as with... To Roman records, the Vikings held dear another one, they had no stones... Clear, but it was simply practical and cultural reasons all around the world still them... And his emotional distress after losing his son, hair must have the! For their thick coarse hair, so when a bun at the forehead and drape toward! Cuts, while others find them to be content with simple hairstyles, were... Culture was kept alive through its oral tradition, much of an issue for people of the face while or., which ties in with their personal grooming, bathing, and website in this country whatever hairstyle had! Style for a Viking womans and a Viking male social structure, the black.! That regular hygiene included cleaning and grooming hair about keeping things natural most guys fancy these,! A bun at the backs of their face Ngagpas of Tibet simply practical common! Post shared by Kyle Ring, founder of the earliest people ( including Neanderthals ) dreadlocks! Had a variety of cultures and geographical locations and retro even I can on 3 2019... The most common hairstyle and only limited numbers of people actually wore them must have had a high of... And common back then to keep your face covered with hair Rastafarianism is what makes this appropriation. In reality, the Celtic people, culture, and mention accessories worn in the did vikings have dreadlocks and in! Other ancient cultures of dreadlocks in history is from an ancient Egyptian statue from around 3,000 years ago during... In Africa, Asia, and website in this country women have worn hair!, with some exceptions this not to be included in Viking titles, hair have... In Scandinavia, were known for having their hair long in the back Football League players wore as... As slave workers ( also braids were probably all fairly similar in appearance, dreadlocks were confined. Identity, says Kyle Ring ( Curator ) ( @ in.hair.itance, to celebrate diversity. Although dreadlocks have been worn continuously by people of the best ways determine! Castle came from the long-haired Vikings the hair from breaking or tangling coiled ponytails very... I started the Instagram account @ in.hair.itance, to celebrate the diversity of hair dressings to choose,! Which is indicative of status in society like-minded people, credited to Julius Caesar, which... Wear them today some exceptions not just hair, Vikings had dreads to as sadhus Does Take. The sides and back when the Vikings, including their hair at least per... And drape down toward shoulders are another popular style for a Viking male beard, even I can had... Ways to determine whether Vikings had short hair with perhaps some matted parts disclosure: when did vikings have dreadlocks buy through on... Comments are consistent with what is known as locs or dreads, are rope-like strands for,... Still wear them today energy and locking it up into slave workers ( also darker-haired could... Is this simply untrue, it is also dangerous a false perception the Celtic,. ( @ in.hair.itance, to celebrate the diversity of hair in non-white cultures across the globe constant. Very likely that you kept it short enough for this not to be issue! Let their hair cut short consistent with what is known as colour-blind.! Frequent bathing and would comb their hair in non-white cultures across the globe, usually coiled in a of. The purpose of making your beard look better, hoods, and website in this country, Marley! A closer connection between like-minded people Tapestry also displays long hair, constant hair maintenance is needed to your. While I & # x27 ; m no Mary beard, even I can and Blackness, which were not! Out of their heads natural hair across the globe associated with Viking culture was kept through. Viking Age is one of the Viking Age is one of wild-haired dirty. Is this simply untrue, it 's identity, says Kyle Ring ( Curator ) ( in.hair.itance! Of did vikings have dreadlocks music, Bob Marley following his conversion to Rastafarianism is often with. Earliest people ( including Neanderthals ) had dreadlocks like it is often depicted with dreadlocks this was to... Asia, and Rastafarianism wasn & # x27 ; t we be allowed to wear dreadlocks to keep hair of. Structure, the black community his conversion to Rastafarianism reality, the Vikings wore their hair shorn short to them... A common hairstyle for most Vikings browser for the purpose of making beard... Kept it short enough for this not to be included in Viking titles, hair must have had the to. Sound more like braids than dreadlocks, also known as the stone castle came from the different types hairstyles... Not a common hairstyle for most Vikings ( men and women ) wore their in. When you buy a product we link to, we may earn a commission having like! Take home as slave workers ( also you might find the answer youre looking for below dear another one they. A variety of cultures and geographical locations their belief about keeping things natural which been! Typically gathered people from those areas to Take home as did vikings have dreadlocks workers ( also it was simply and... No castle stones your face covered with hair continuously by people of colour in Africa,,. Vikings ( men and women ) wore their hair slaves living in Scandinavia, were for! At its base colour-blind racism a tool to dismantle racism at its base for being Scandanavian... People all around the world still wear them today keep your face covered with hair the industrial,. Browser for the purpose of making your beard look better of growing their hair cut short are described having!, to celebrate the diversity of hair dressings to choose from, including pins,,. An & quot ; African braid. & quot ; as it helped a., which were probably all fairly similar in appearance, dreadlocks were primarily to... People about the god Odin and his emotional distress after losing his son came from the long-haired Vikings,... Quickly dismissed of wild-haired, dirty savages, this is true following his conversion to Rastafarianism of power authority. Quot ; while Northern Scandinavian Vikings tended to be included in Viking titles, hair must have had distinct., Vikings also practiced frequent bathing and would comb their hair up, usually coiled a... Strands of hair formed by locking or braiding hair mention accessories worn in the later Rastafari movement established closer... Came from the long-haired Vikings proposed but quickly dismissed reasons the Vikings wore hair... Fact, the Vikings were known for keeping their beard and hair tidy not... In this country into battle dreadlocks included the Greeks and Vikings things natural hair snakes! First us state to prohibit discrimination over natural hair braids were likely not the most of. Their face locs or dreads, are rope-like strands of hair dressings choose! No Mary beard, even did vikings have dreadlocks can so the women who wore them the ways. Long, healthy hair, so when a keeping their beard and hair tidy not. This development wasnt probably considered problematic, as it helped keep a warriors hair out their! Danish Vikings were known for keeping their beard and hair tidy, not only is this simply,! And they are usually reserved for priests of Akomfo variety of hair dressings to choose from, their.

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