Braids: The power it gives!

Dating back 5,000 years to 3500 BC in ancient Africa, braids were the most significant part of their culture. Holding deep meaning culturally and socially. Braids were very popular among women of Himba, the people of Namibia. Its believed that across the African continent, braiding patterns were used to identify tribes, age, marital status, and religion.

Braid patterns and specific braided hairstyles were indications of ones wealth. A unique way to set tribes apart from each other and was an integral part of their language.

One of the earliest civilizations to showcase the art of braiding was in ancient Egypt. The Egyptians considered braids to be a symbol of power and divine energy. Prevalent among men and women with intricate designs that varied in complexity depending on ones status.

Braiding served as a particular way to manage and protect the hair, particularly in harsh climates. During the transatlantic slave trade, enslaved people used braids to communicate escape route to the underground railroad and important information with each other, often hidden from slave owners. These tightly woven braids also held objects like small tools or seeds. Although braid were deeply rooted in African culture, it has become worldwide and now considered a versatile and fashionable hairstyle.

To the ancient Egyptians, braids and braided styles were much more than just looking good, they believed that braiding hair could ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. Upper-class would wear elaborate braided styles bedazzled with beads, jewels, and gold thread. Braids held the symbol of beauty along with a reflection of social status and occupation.

Braids was said to have given women power and confidence. Africa with cornrows 3500bc; Egypt with afro box braids 3100bc; Greece with halo braids first century; Native Americans with pigtail braids fifth century; Europe with crown braids 1066-1485; China with staircase braids 1644-1912; Caribbean with modern cornrows 1970s; along with todays reality of the internet braiding tutorials 2005-current.