The Complicated History of Dreadlock

Hair speaks to our identities, cultures, and histories; it is not just hair. In some cultures, hairstyles can signify particular rites of passage or serve as a symbol of spiritual ties.

Letting uncombed hair develop into matted Dreadlocks Wanstead is seen in some cultures—particularly those in South Asia and the Middle East—as a symbol of rejection of materialism and ostentation. These religious ascetics with locks are known as "sadhus" in India. Locked hair signifies spiritual ties to a higher power in different civilizations. For instance, the Akan people of Ghana refer to locks as "MPs," and they are often only worn by priests of Akomfo. The Spanish also noted that the priests of the Aztec empire in Mexico had uncut, long, matted hair.

Locks are regarded as a sign of power and are only worn by warriors in certain parts of Africa. For instance, the Maasai and Kikuyu tribes of Kenya and the Fula and Wolof people of West Africa are all famed for their warriors' locked hair. Interestingly, in Nigeria, when worn by adults, locked hair is frowned upon by both Yoruba and Igbo people. Nevertheless, when kids are born with naturally matted hair, they are called "Dada" and considered spiritual beings. Only their moms are permitted to touch their hair, and they are revered as wealth-bringers. Interlocks Wanstead, however, represent much more than just a hairdo to Rastafarians. They stand for a bond with Africa and a denial of the West, which they call Babylon.