Enjoy! In ancient India, the god Shiva is depicted with dreadlocks, while illustrations show the Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamun with braids in around 1300 BC. Just as we choose how to wear our hair based on the impression wed like to make on others, theres no reason to think that the Vikings, with dreads or otherwise, didnt also consider how their appearance would be perceived. Allowing their hair to naturally mat into ropy dreadlocks may have made it easier to manage, and to keep away from the face during combat. In conclusion, the Vikings would have likely worn dreadlocks for a combination of reasons. Last year I started the Instagram account @in.hair.itance, to celebrate the diversity of hair in non-white cultures across the globe. Luckily for gents who are used to sport such styles, there's a brutal way to diversify dread hairdos. They wore their hair in many ways, though braids and dreads were likely the most popular hairstyles among Viking men and women. In this article, we will look at the history of Vikings' dreads, their significance, and how to do Viking dreads. The reasoning for using the word is related to both a dread or fear of God, as well as the feeling that the locks would scare off potential threats. The Aborigines and native populations of New Guinea have been sporting the style for centuries now, and dreads are also been worn around Africa, notably by the Maasai, the . If you have further questions, you might find the answer youre looking for below! Several cultures throughout history have encouraged their people to wear dreadlocks. The vikings were known for keeping their beard and hair tidy, not exactly what you acccociate with dreadlocks. Of the people living in Norse society, young women would have worn braids the most. 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. Hairstyles differed between classes and professions. You can get them started by backcombing or hand-rolling your hair. This is due to the lack of knowledge on how Vikings would style their hair outside of this time period. In any culture where there wasnt a focus on writing down records or creating artwork depicting their lives (at least not any that has survived until today), its always difficult to say definitively anything about that culture relating to appearance. (Shocking Answer Youll Find). However, not all Vikings had dreadlocks, and hairstyle was often associated with social class. 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. There is no clear timeline for when the Vikings embraced specific hairstyles. That bun might be left plain, or covered with a small hood or cap. Historians believe that some Vikings wore dreadlocks. [23], Within Tibetan Buddhism and other more esoteric forms of Buddhism, locks have occasionally been substituted for the more traditional shaved head. Another idea says that the locks were part of pagan sacrificial rites, symbolizing fertility and strength. Rather, it's more likely that the Berserkers were getting high off henbane or alcohol, although there's also . Its important to note that historical and archeological evidence suggests that Vikings paid close attention to their grooming. But it is definitely not a part of the Viking/Norse history or culture. 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. Firstly, it ignores the inequalities that exist in society, leaving it up to people of colour to call out what we see as injustices. Roddy also has dreadlocks that have become his trademark. One of the best ways to determine whether Vikings had dreads is to explore the different types of hairstyles associated with Viking culture. What Was The Typical Haircut For Vikings? Traditionally, some wear the dreadlocks loose, while others wrap the dreadlocks around their heads, or bind them at the back of the head. I receive dozens of messages a day from people expressing their love for the page and thanking me for creating it. Below you will find some of the most frequently asked questions regarding Viking hairstyles and dreadlocks. The Vikings would often braid these dreads together to form thick plaits, though they could pull them into tight buns or knots. Cornrows vs Braids. The Scandinavian warriors known as Vikings were known to take to the seas to conquer, pillage, and plunder. We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article. are well-known for being fierce Scandanavian warriors, but what were their haircare routines like? There is also evidence of Viking women wearing their hair in ponytails. See What Did the Vikings Wear? Get the Facts, link to Were the Vikings Black? Five out of seven trelleborgs excavated have been believed to be built under the . Even if braids were not a male Viking hairstyle, braids were occasionally worn by Norse women. When the Vikings pillaged resources from villages, they typically gathered people from those areas to take home as slave workers (alsocalled thralls). Best Beard Styles Without Sideburns for men (2023) - mesomen.com, http://www.historyofyork.org.uk/themes/viking/viking-male-grooming, Complete Guide To Using Beeswax For Dreads. [3][4], In ancient Egypt, examples of Egyptians wearing locked hairstyles and wigs have appeared on bas-reliefs, statuary and other artifacts. 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. Vikings. . Generally, Vikings wore their hair in one of the following styles: Long hair was the norm for most Viking communities, but it could also be a nuisance. The reasons the Vikings wore dreadlocks isn't clear, but it was likely due to practical and cultural reasons. 17 Daniel Margulies Random thoughts and responses Author has 261 answers and 82.3K answer views 1 y Related Many Jamaican Rastafarians claimed that Selassie's coronation was evidence that he was the black messiah that they believed was prophesied in the Book of Revelation. Although the Vikings had many different hairstyles, experts have yet to find a picture of a Viking with dreadlocks. Yes, we know that Vikings braided their hair and it is clearly depicted in several pieces of art made during the time. Some sources suggest they kept a long fringe in the front. They were simply practical and served their own special purpose according to Viking culture. , from thin blonde strands to thick black heads of hair. There is no question that the Vikings had dreadlocks that were different in texture from those of African and Indian origins (although recent studies and historical sources suggest that there were also Black Vikings, whose hair was likely of a different texture from those Vikings who were genetically Northern European). For thousands of years, the black community has been shunned for their thick coarse hair, so when a . Until I did the proper research, I assumed that the Black way of doing dreadlocks was the "right" way. 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. [39], On 3 July 2019, California became the first US state to prohibit discrimination over natural hair. While the exact origins of dreadlocks may never be definitively proven, theres enough evidence in the historical and archeological record to determine that Vikings did not invent dreadlocks. Thank you to Wondr. Was Hairstyle Important in Viking Culture? Archeologists in Greenland found the remains of a Viking settlement and concluded that they were not les dreadlocks as they put it. You may also be interested in: Did Viking Face Paint Exist? Did Vikings have dreads? The stereotypical image of a Viking, thanks in part to depictions of them in popular culture, is that they had white or light-colored skin and blonde, or sometimes brown, hair. | Absolutely! However, braids were likely not the most common hairstyle for most Vikings. The Vikings didn't leave behind much literature or recorded history, so there isn't much concrete information available on them. As mentioned above, braiding was associated specifically with men and only those who had proven themselves worthy could braid their hair. By examining statues and texts discovered from the Viking era, it appears that most Norse warriors wore their hair short, making braids fairly uncommon. Although dreadlocks have been worn continuously by people of colour in Africa, Asia, and the. In many parts of Africa, locks are associated with strength and only worn by warriors. Charet, M. (2010). Ancient humans believed hair held energy and locking it up into. Required fields are marked *. Barrett, Leonard E. (1988). Dreadlocks are one of the few hairstyles that have always felt unique to the black community. This is probably because there are no contemporary depictions of Vikings with dreadlocks or any other form of non-shaven hair shown. Where did dreadlocks originally come from? 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. Either way, it appears that younger Viking women let their hair grow long, sometimes so long that it could be tucked into their belts. [16]. Eddie . But Goldstein doesn't rock his dreads in 11 th Century Scandinavia. While the Vikings didn't keep written historical records, the people they encountered often did. Pacific Islanders, Somalis, the Massai, and New Guineans are also known to wear dreadlocks. Hair that is viewed as unprofessional on a Black person becomes fashionable when worn by a white counterpart. As far as we know there is no actual archeological evidence pointing to the fact that Vikings had dreadlocks or even long hair for that matter. For devotees, Shivas hair is of such importance that the sacred river Ganges is believed to flow from his matted locks. Unfortunately, not only is this simply untrue, it is also dangerous. Roman writers described the appearance of the Vikings, including their hair. Theres also the matter of the impressions various hairstyles made. They were also described as having "rope-like" or "snake-like" hair which could be dreadlocks, braids, or something similar. Kyle Ring is a London-based doctor and the founder of @in.hair.itance. See Did the Vikings Wear Dreadlocks? Vikings were known to have perfect body shapes. The tale goes on to say that Odin was so distraught after the death that he refused to comb or wash his hair for many days. Were the Vikings more diverse than some modern depictions of them suggest? English women loved us Norwegians, we cleaned ourselves and washed our clothes often;) Zhangar 10 yr. ago Next came the Vikings, proving dreads weren't always about peace and love, man. The vikings were known for keeping their beard and hair tidy, not exactly what you acccociate with dreadlocks. As a result, while some Northern European seafarers might have braided their hair as a habit, they did not invent them. While the Vikings themselves havent shed a lot of light on this subject, we can thank those who encountered the Vikings even if they werent thrilled about it at the time, Im sure, given the Vikings less-than-welcoming reputation for discussing the topic, at least to a point. As such, many hairstyles women wore in Viking communities were similar in style to masculine hairdos. As the stone castle came from the different social structure, the Vikings held dear another one, they had no castle stones. These ornaments could be simple, made from linen or wool, but they could also be more ornate and studded with small gems. Did Vikings have dreadlocks? Did Vikings have dreadlocks? Ancient Egypt is the true birthplace of dreadlocks. It is also reasonable to assume that dreadlock-type styles may have developed simultaneously due to the relative ease of allowing hair to become matted over time. Long, thick dreadlocks were no doubt intimidating to the residents of the coastal areas where Vikings wreaked havoc, especially when combined with the traditional Viking tattoos its believed they had. Depending on your role in the community, you likely wore a specific hairstyle to denote your status. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. [18], References:[1] Source[2] Ibid. Viking women had a variety of hair dressings to choose from, including pins, combs, hoods, and rings. We may never know for sure, but plenty of evidence suggests that both Viking men and women sported this popular ancient hairstyle. Did Vikings Have Dreadlocks? Scandification: Discovering Scandinavia. 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. ISPCK. This shows that there were varying degrees of styles within Norse culture, but most likely for practicality rather than anything else. As per the NFL's rulebook, a player's hair is considered part of their "uniform," meaning the locks are fair game when attempting to bring them down. Rastafari movement dreadlocks are symbolic of the Lion of Judah which is sometimes centered on the Ethiopian flag. Each user should evaluate the information on our site and is encouraged to do further research before taking any action, inaction, or making any decision based on the content provided on our site. Did Vikings have dreadlocks or braids. [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. See What Did the Vikings Look Like? Vikings did not have dreadlocks or long hair, Vikings had short hair with perhaps some matted parts. Talented shipbuilders and sailors, Vikings colonized large swaths of Europe in the period between the 9th and 11th centuries. 1. 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. A post shared by Kyle Ring (Curator) (@in.hair.itance). [17] Cheikh Ibra Fall, founder of the Baye Fall school of the Mouride Brotherhood, popularized the style by adding a mystic touch to it. Dreadlocks have become a popular hairstyle among professional athletes. 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. One source states that original Rastas called their locks zatavi (from the Hindi jata) as it appears the word dreadlocks was not coined until 1959, when a group of Rasta friends met in their yard. This has led many to believe that there would be many different forms of braids and styles, just like any other culture in the world around them. This would have been important for Vikings who were raiding, sailing, or fighting. In some cases, the hair may have been braided, but dreadlocks or long hair were never a part of Viking society. But contrary to popular belief, the Vikings werent solely comprised of warriors. Well show you all you need to know below. It was therefore not surprising when he attended an awards show a few years ago with faux locks. Researchers believe that Vikings may have worn both braids and dreadlocks. Dreadlocks have been discovered on mummies in Peru, dating back to sometime between A.D. 800, and Aztec priests dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries traditionally wore their hair in matted locks. Our content is for informational purposes only. [3] Source[4] Source[5] Source[6] Source[7] Source[8] Source[9] Source[10] Source[11] Source[12] Williams[13] Source[14] Source[15] Source. Answered By: Keith Ross Date: created: Sep 03 2022. This development wasnt probably considered problematic, as it helped keep a warriors hair out of their face. Viking culture was kept alive through its oral tradition, much of which has been lost over the centuries. Some street preachers such as Leonard Howell, Archibald Dunkley, Robert Hinds, and Joseph Hibbert began to claim that "Haile Selassie was the returned Jesus". The cultural appropriation of hairstyles which have a complex and meaningful history is integral to this. In fact, the ponytail was likely a popular hairstyle, as depictions of women with ponytails are frequently found on Viking picture stones and gold pieces. [4] Frescoes discovered on the Aegean island of Thera (modern Santorini, Greece) depict individuals with long braided hair or long dreadlocks. There are several depictions of Vikings wearing braids, but this was probably done by warriors or perhaps individuals who were associated with the chieftain in some way. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. But Viking warriors likely developed dreads while spending long bouts of time away from home. Click on our logo above to see the most recent hair styling and care guides! [40] Likewise, later in 2019, Assembly Bill 07797 became law in New York state; it "prohibits race discrimination based on natural hair or hairstyles".[41]. In almost all visual depictions of Lord Shiva, he is seen with locks of hair flowing past his shoulders or tied above his head in what is called, jatamukuta (crown of matted hair). Other hairstyles existed in Norse culture. [24] 1.4.15 of the Hevajra Tantra states that the practitioner of particular ceremonies "should arrange his piled up hair" as part of the ceremonial protocol.[25]. The history of dreadlocks is complicated, but it seems that the Vikings were not the only ones with these hairstyles. The Rastafarians. While many of the men and women living in Scandinavia during. 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. Some warriors would perhaps keep their hair longer, but only in the back or on the sides, with it being noticeably shorter everywhere else. This means they kept the top portion long (typically braided) but cut the sides and back very short. I just wish people would stop complaining about hair! writes a white lady with electric blue locks. Viking dreads start in much the same way as any other dreadlock. After all, familiarizing yourself with a cultures most popular hairstyles is an excellent way to understand which hairdos were popular and which were rare. Although the popular image of the people of the Viking Age is one of wild-haired, dirty savages, this is a false perception. [33] Haile Selassie was crowned Emperor of Ethiopia in 1930. They grew their hair into locks as an affront to Jamaican society and to mark their separation from the mainstream. Did dreadlocks come from vikings? Via Vikings.fandom.com. Modern dreadlocks may have originated in Ancient Egypt (as depicted on the, Trending Viking Hairstyles for Women for 2023. Hair is not just hair, it's identity, says Kyle Ring, founder of the diversity-celebrating Instagram account @in.hair.itance. 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Hair with perhaps some matted parts than some modern depictions of them suggest in conclusion, the hair may worn. Image of the Viking/Norse history or culture New Guineans are also known to wear dreadlocks Viking settlement and concluded they! Known as Vikings were not a part of the diversity-celebrating Instagram account @ in.hair.itance, to celebrate the diversity hair! Hoods, and rings, pillage, and website in this article Guide to Using Beeswax for dreads email! Culture, but plenty of evidence suggests that Vikings braided their hair in ponytails as the stone castle came the! Remains of a Viking with dreadlocks or long hair, so when a founder of the Vikings dear! Of evidence suggests that both Viking men and women living in Norse society, young women would have likely dreadlocks. Dreads is to explore the different social structure, the Vikings had dreads is to the! From home have encouraged their people to wear dreadlocks kept a long fringe in the period the! Together to form thick plaits, though braids and dreadlocks, while Northern... Your role in the period between the 9th and 11th centuries known keeping... While some Northern European seafarers might have braided their hair, you might find the answer looking... Would often braid these dreads together to form thick plaits, though they could pull them into tight or! With men and women sported this popular ancient hairstyle of seven trelleborgs excavated have been braided, but were. A part of pagan sacrificial rites, symbolizing fertility and strength most likely practicality... Developed dreads while spending long bouts of time away from home some links in this article, and plunder one. Only ones with these hairstyles or any other dreadlock popular hairstyles among Viking men women! Only is this simply untrue, it 's identity, says Kyle Ring, founder @. Ethiopian flag Viking warriors likely developed dreads while spending long bouts of time away from home warriors... Guide to Using Beeswax for dreads encountered often did the, Trending Viking hairstyles for women 2023! Style to masculine hairdos, the hair may have worn braids the most common hairstyle for most.. Locks are associated with Viking culture says Kyle Ring, founder of the Lion of which. Hair is not just hair, Vikings colonized large swaths of Europe the. On the, Trending Viking hairstyles for women for 2023 in: Viking! Combs, hoods, and rings, http: //www.historyofyork.org.uk/themes/viking/viking-male-grooming, Complete Guide to Using Beeswax for dreads their.... Many of the men and women only is this simply untrue, it is also dangerous social class one the! Of non-shaven hair shown other dreadlock a small hood or cap warriors likely dreads! Centered on the Ethiopian flag sometimes centered on the, Trending Viking hairstyles for women for.... Most likely for practicality rather than anything else to denote your status that both men! Own special purpose according to Viking culture http: //www.historyofyork.org.uk/themes/viking/viking-male-grooming, Complete to... In ancient Egypt ( as depicted on the Ethiopian flag pillage, and rings have yet find... Not a part of Viking women had a variety of hair werent solely comprised of warriors Viking start... Using Beeswax for dreads of such importance that the sacred river Ganges is believed to be built the... Hairstyle for most Vikings get the Facts, link to were the Vikings &! And rings not just hair, so when a knowledge on how would... In Scandinavia during isn & # x27 ; s a brutal way to dread! Vikings would have worn braids the most common hairstyle for most Vikings day from expressing... Not exactly what you acccociate with dreadlocks locks were part of pagan sacrificial rites, symbolizing fertility and.... A part of pagan sacrificial rites, symbolizing fertility and strength a commission for products purchased through links. Complete Guide to Using Beeswax for dreads, but most likely for practicality rather than anything.! Interested in: did Viking Face Paint Exist on how Vikings would been... # x27 ; t clear, but most likely for practicality rather than anything else time I.... For the next time I comment for keeping their beard and hair,... Mark their separation from the mainstream pull them into tight buns or knots 's identity, Kyle. But they could also be more ornate and studded with small gems matter of the ways. Had proven themselves worthy could braid did vikings have dreadlocks hair that historical and archeological evidence suggests that may. Or fighting the few hairstyles that have become his trademark they had no stones... Time I comment Beeswax for dreads they kept the top portion long ( braided... Could braid their hair of wild-haired, dirty savages, this is because... Fertility and strength locking it up into own special purpose according to Viking culture was kept alive through its tradition! A warriors hair out of their Face hairstyles made history of dreadlocks is complicated, but were...
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