Root of David: The Symbolic Origins of Rastafari (No. The primary difference between a Viking womans and a Viking mans hair was the state of the sides and back. This shows that there were varying degrees of styles within Norse culture, but most likely for practicality rather than anything else. The only references we have are from poetry and illuminations.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'theidlemen_com-box-4','ezslot_10',108,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-theidlemen_com-box-4-0'); This is because it becomes more or less impossible to see behind you without turning your entire body around practically every two seconds, which of course would make you an easy target. You can even shave a border close to ears for more detail. Personal Grooming in the Viking Age. An old Norse myth talks about the god Odin and his emotional distress after losing his son. Their use has also been raised in debates about cultural appropriation. Leaving their hair loose or in braids could signify their unmarried status. 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. 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). In the Fifties and Sixties, when immigrants came to the UK from former colonies in the Caribbean, Africa and Asia, they faced discrimination not just because of the colour of their skin. Tags The Scandinavian warriors known as Vikings were known to take to the seas to conquer, pillage, and plunder. are well-known for being fierce Scandanavian warriors, but what were their haircare routines like? 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. There is a Roman reference, credited to Julius Caesar, in which the Celts are described as having hair like snakes. All Viking haircuts have adopted some present-day trends and features. 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. As such it was not common for people to grow their beards very long, except for the chieftains who were expected to grow them as a sign of their status. Even if braids were not a male Viking hairstyle, braids were occasionally worn by Norse women. Did Vikings Have Dreads? This would have been important for Vikings who were raiding, sailing, or fighting. Although when children are born with naturally matted hair, they are referred to as Dada' and viewed as spiritual beings. This cultural brainwashing, which is very much a British export, has even resulted in a case reported last month in which Jamaica's Supreme Court ruled that a school was justified in banning a child with dreadlocks for reasons of "hygiene". One 12-year-old boy, Chikayzea Flanders, who was brought up in a family of Rastafarians, was even told that he would be suspended from school unless he cut off his dreadlocks. ISPCK. Theres also the matter of the impressions various hairstyles made. There is also evidence of Viking women wearing their hair in ponytails. While it seems likely that some Vikings did indeed sport dreadlocks, they clearly weren't the first race or culture to wear them. 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. Comments like those mentioned earlier are not isolated and further reinforce the role of education as a tool to dismantle racism at its base. The men had long fringes and short hair on the back of the head. Fringes likely refer to bangs. Roman writers described the appearance of the Vikings, including their hair. Their dreadlocks were inspired by the Nazarites of the Bible. Dreadlocks are even mentioned in the Old Testament and by the Greeks. Your email address will not be published. [22] In North Central Australia, the tradition is for the dreadlocks to be greased with fat and coated with red ochre, which assists in their formation. Dating as far back as 2500 B.C., The Vedas, Hinduism's oldest scriptures, depict the Hindu God Shiva wearing locs or "jaTaa" in the Sanskrit language, according to Dr. Bert Ashe's book . It is often called an "African braid.". Did Vikings Have Dreadlocks Or Braids? Thank you to Wondr. You may also be interested in: Did Viking Face Paint Exist? . Luckily for gents who are used to sport such styles, there's a brutal way to diversify dread hairdos. Vikings did not create or keep written records, so the question of whether or not Vikings had dreadlocks cannot be answered using original sources from people within that culture. [9]. The hair of these priests was very long and so knotted that it could not be separated or disentangled, and most of them had their ears scarified, and their hair was clotted with blood. The Scandinavian day for saturday (Lrdag, laugardag) means washing day. You will Learn in this Post hide 1. Were dreadlocks important to the Vikings? We may never know for sure, but plenty of evidence suggests that both Viking men and women sported this popular ancient hairstyle. The hair would never be longer than shoulder length, with some exceptions. In some cultures, especially in South Asia and the Middle East, allowing uncombed hair to form into matted locks is a symbol of the rejection of materialism and vanity. 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. It minimises structural racism and ignores issues of under-representation of people of colour. Viking culture was kept alive through its oral tradition, much of which has been lost over the centuries. We need to ensure that differences between cultural groups are not only celebrated but also respected. Five out of seven trelleborgs excavated have been believed to be built under the . For devotees, Shivas hair is of such importance that the sacred river Ganges is believed to flow from his matted locks. Modern dreadlocks may have originated in Ancient Egypt (as depicted on theSarcophagus of Kawit) or Ancient Greece. It did not draw attention to itself and it was easy to maintain while out in the wild or while brawling. A typical Viking hairstyle would perhaps consist of a mixture of short hair all around with some parts braided or tied up in a bun. A significant number of these players . The Vikings would often braid these dreads together to form thick plaits, though they could pull them into tight buns or knots. So did the Vikings invent dreadlocks? This development wasnt probably considered problematic, as it helped keep a warriors hair out of their face. To conclude, there is no doubt that Vikings grew their beards and it was a very natural thing to do not something worn for show or as part of a hairstyle. In 2012, about 180 National Football League players wore dreadlocks. Some claim that dreadlocks originated in India (unlike most who cite Egypt as their birthplace) with the dreadlocked deity Shiva and his followers. See What Did the Vikings Look Like? Since there is so much evidence that multiple cultures embraced some form of dreadlocks, and no way to determine the exact origins of this style, many people believe that wearing dreads is perfectly acceptable for people of a variety of cultural and ethnic backgrounds. The history of Viking's dreadlocks is varied and differs depending on who you ask. After all, familiarizing yourself with a cultures most popular hairstyles is an excellent way to understand which hairdos were popular and which were rare. Researchers believe that Vikings may have worn both braids and dreadlocks. Did Vikings have dreadlocks? When I have asked white people about their dreadlocks, I have had responses which vary from, My hair would do this naturally if I didnt comb it, to Vikings had dreadlocks. I have looked into this latter statement and can find no evidence to suggest that this is true. While there is no clear evidence to say that the Vikings picked up their hairstyle from the Celts, or vice versa, it seems reasonable to assume that each culture took note of the appearance of members of the other. Did Vikings have dreadlocks or braids? Roddy also has dreadlocks that have become his trademark. However, not all Vikings had dreadlocks, and hairstyle was often associated with social class. In recent years there has been an ongoing conversation about whether wearing ones hair in dreadlocks is a form of cultural appropriation. Charet, M. (2010). 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. Sidney was born on 1 September 1986 in Gaffney, South Carolina, U.S. While Northern Scandinavian Vikings tended to be naturally blonde, Danish Vikings were darker-haired and could be red-heads or brunettes. Viking men had the most options in terms of acceptable hairstyles. Did Vikings have dreads? Last year I started the Instagram account @in.hair.itance, to celebrate the diversity of hair in non-white cultures across the globe. First and foremost, they were practical. Unfortunately, not many sources exist, which can tell us how Vikings kept their hair. Vikings did not have dreadlocks or long hair, Vikings had short hair with perhaps some matted parts. He had them before he started playing professional football, but they became more noticeable when he was on the field. This ideology is based on the assertion that racial privilege does not exist. When you keep your hair long and braided most days, theres a chance that it could naturally begin to form into dreadlocks. Another tradition places the origin of dreadlocks with the House of Youth Black Faith (HYBF), a group of radical young Rastas who formed in the late Forties. So did the Vikings invent dreadlocks? As far as evidence suggests, they did not wear either type of hairstyle. Some Vikings even shaved their heads completely, though this practice was far less common than wearing their hair long. But Viking warriors likely developed dreads while spending long bouts of time away from home. On the surface, dreadlocks are "free-formed" locs of hair (i.e., hair locks). However, Hindu Vedic texts from around 1700 BCE also mention matted hair. Dreadlocks in ancient times were said to hold power. One of the strongest indicators of occasional shaving or baldness comes, (a Greek historian), who wrote that the prince of Kievan Rus shaved his head completely, except for a lock of hair that hung down on one side.. Many cultures developed dreadlocks as independent innovations at different points in history. The five myths are: Vikings were dirty and unkempt Vikings wore horned helmets Vikings looked like we do today Vikings' clothing style was admired throughout the world Vikings' appearance was marked by battle wounds MYTH 1: Vikings were dirty and unkempt Unwashed, rough warriors with froth hanging out of the corners of the mouth. 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. Therefore, although modern versions of Viking hairstyles are popular today, the styles containing braids are, unfortunately, not accurate to how Norsemen looked during the Viking age. Did Vikings have dreads? In Season 1 of Vikings, Rollo attacks the island of Lindisfarne, also known as Holy Island because of its monastery, and kills Father Cuthbert, an elderly monk. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'theidlemen_com-banner-1','ezslot_4',109,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-theidlemen_com-banner-1-0'); The haircut that was preferred by Vikings is not known with certainty. Doing so helped to keep hair out of the face while working or fighting. When did Vikings start wearing dreadlocks? Given dreadlocks' rich history, it's hard for one group to claim them, said Feminista Jones, writer, speaker and former wearer of locks. [17] The typical reference to Viking implies the Norsemen who raided the coasts of England, and these men would not have worn braids. Coiled ponytails require very long hair, so the women who wore them must have had the resources to care for them. It was therefore not surprising when he attended an awards show a few years ago with faux locks. However, the men seemed to favor dreadlocks or other hairstyles, not any form of braids. For example, certain Viking men often wore their hair at shoulder length, and their haircuts likely differed between social classes. Another reason to believe that beards were considered normal is the fact that they are mentioned in several sagas or legends in Norwegian culture who wore a particularly long beard during his time. Rather, it's more likely that the Berserkers were getting high off henbane or alcohol, although there's also . See What Did the Vikings Wear? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Dreadlocks are one of the few hairstyles that have always felt unique to the black community. Her comments are consistent with what is known as colour-blind racism. Men and women have worn their hair in rope-like strands for centuries, and people all around the world still wear them today. . The reasons the Vikings wore dreadlocks isn't clear, but it was likely due to practical and cultural reasons. Hairstyles differed between classes and professions. The long plaits are indicative of status, while the plain knots and ponytails indicate that the individual may be a commoner. Second, they had time to groom their hair. There are several reasons to believe this and one of them is the fact that men, in general, were required to wear a mustache in order to join the army. Despite this he is still one of the worlds best-selling music artists. 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. The most recognizable of these groups are known as the Ngagpas of Tibet. See Did the Vikings Wear Dreadlocks? [14] Some of the very earliest adherents of Christianity in the Middle East may have worn this hairstyle; there are descriptions of James the Just, first Bishop of Jerusalem, who is said to have worn them to his ankles.[15]. It was practical and simple. The Vikings are one group that wore dreadlocks, but ancient Egyptians, Pacific Island cultures, and several indigenous African tribes also commonly wear dreadlocks. Although dreadlocks have been worn continuously by people of colour in Africa, Asia, and the Americas from ancient times until now, their popularisation in the West only occurred in the Seventies. This shouldnt be difficult for people to understand. While it wasnt uncommon for men to shear off most of the hair on the sides or back of their head, most Viking women kept all of their hair long, keeping it off their neck by braiding and knotting it at the top of the skull. No. The history of dreadlocks is complicated, but it seems that the Vikings were not the only ones with these hairstyles. These unfortunate individuals would have their hair shorn short to differentiate them from the long-haired Vikings. Cornrows differ from the "braid," which is . Whatever their initial origin, it is without debate that dreadlocks in the modern-day are synonymous with Rastafarianism. 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). 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. to learn more. Some researchers speculate that coiled ponytails could have been a sign of social status for elite women. After all, familiarizing yourself with a cultures most popular hairstyles is an excellent way to understand which hairdos were popular and which were rare. This article may contain affiliate links. The rest would have to be content with simple hairstyles, which were probably all fairly similar in appearance. [34] During the Great Depression in the 1930s, the Rastafari message spread from Kingston to the rest of Jamaica, especially among poor communities. It should also be noted that the look and feel of dreadlocks is not standard among all cultures. Hair was a hot topic. Dreadlocks may have also served practical purposes within every culture in which this style is documented. 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. Unfortunately, not only is this simply untrue, it is also dangerous. Dreads werent as common throughout Viking communities as other hairstyles. Want more hair styling guides? I just wish people would stop complaining about hair! writes a white lady with electric blue locks. 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. What Age Does Your Beard Stop Filling In? There is no evidence that Vikings wore dreadlocks before black people did. It was not common for people back then to shave on created at the time. Keep reading to discover what hairstyles the Vikings had and how hairstyle affected a Vikings standing in their local community. This was done either for status or to indicate that the individual had/was about to go into battle. No. Of the genders within Norse society, it appears that females wore braids far more often than men. You can get them started by backcombing or hand-rolling your hair. Firstly, it ignores the inequalities that exist in society, leaving it up to people of colour to call out what we see as injustices. Some even believe that the knotting or locking of hair keeps this power in the body, preventing it from escaping through the head. [6] Mummified remains of Egyptians with locked wigs have also been recovered from archaeological sites. The reasons the Vikings wore dreadlocks isn't clear, but it was likely due to practical and cultural reasons. As mentioned above, braiding was associated specifically with men and only those who had proven themselves worthy could braid their hair. Vikings (vkingr in Old Norse) are well-known for being fierce Scandanavian warriors, but what were their haircare routines like? Just keep the sides shaved, letting the locks stand out. The Vikings who were focused on warfare may have worn their hair short in the back to make it easier to wear protective helmets. Dreadlocks allowed men to groom their hair without worrying about losing it or damaging it. Did Vikings have dreadlocks? [17] Cheikh Ibra Fall, founder of the Baye Fall school of the Mouride Brotherhood, popularized the style by adding a mystic touch to it. Disclosure: When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, but this never influences our opinion. By contrast, mixed race actress and singer Zendaya (of former Disney fame) was glowing when she wore dreadlocks to the Oscars, only to be torn down by TV host Giuliana Rancic, who commented that she looked like she smells like patchouli oil and weed. (The Historical Truth). 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. Which has been lost over the centuries anything else assertion that racial privilege does not exist was often associated social... 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