Dreadlock History

Spanning centuries, the dreadlock hairstyle has historical, religious and fashion-oriented significance.

History

Although possibly best known as the hairstyle of Rastafarians, dreadlocks have a rich history. Egyptian mummies have been discovered sporting the hairstyle, and "dreads" have also made appearances in the Aztec, German, Celtic and Greek cultures. It has even been noted that Jesus' brother, James, had dreadlocks down to his feet.

Significance

Just as dreadlocks have had significance to many cultures and religions, they have also played a vital role in modern subcultures. Many fans of the "jam band" scene consider the hairstyle representative of their spiritual nature, as shown in the Steven R. Hurlburt documentary, "Dreadheads."

Types

The website dreadlocks.com displays several methods for obtaining the dreadlock hairstyle. From twisting and holding with rubber bands, to simply neglecting to comb, dreads can be achieved with little to no effort.

Famous Ties

Famous figures who have sported the hairstyle include the ancient deity Shiva (Hinduism) and the modern-day reggae artist Bob Marley.

Fun Fact

According to the website dreadlocks.com, a person wanting to rid themselves of dreadlocks does not have to shave the hair off completely, but may leave at least two inches of hair on the head.

References

• Dreadlocks: Encyclopedia II
• Dreadlocks in Ancient Egypt
• "Dreadheads," the Documentary

Resources

• Dreadlocks.com