Dreadlocks have a long history, owing to the fact that many cultures that lived generations before us adopted this all-natural hairstyle.
In Africa, dreadlocks have a long history and because of the texture of African hair, many historians believe that dreadlocks may have originated in the area.
Africa is a vast continent populated by various tribes, many of whom wore dreads in the past and still do today. Dreadlocks were historically worn by African shamans and warriors who adorned their hair with beads and other objects and coloured it to make it their own.
For example, the Maasai people of Kenya and northern Tanzania wore locks that were frequently dyed red to distinguish them from other tribes. Some children in the Yoruba tribe of Nigeria are believed to be born with dreadlocks, referred to as “Dada,”
Dada is a diety in yoruba mythology. the son of Yemoja, the goddess of the sea and wealth. Dada is said to be one of the Yoruba kings who have been deified. His younger brother is thought to be Shango, the thunder god who wears cornrows.
Because of their dreadlocks, children who are born with twisted hair are assumed to be spiritual beings and descended from the gods. As a result, they are not allowed to have their hair groomed and can only be touched by their mothers.
Yoruba people also believe that the dada children will bring wealth to the family, as such refered to as Dada Olowo – Eyo.
Their time on Earth is unique. It is distinguished by special rites that define various stages of life.
In almost all cases, their hair is shaved before puberty to help them integrate into the community.
However, a shaving ritual is performed in a river, where the shaved head is washed.
In accordance with societal expectations, the dada wears “tamed” hair after the hair-shaving ceremony. The child is still recognised as unique and mysterious, but he or she has been integrated into society and the visible manifestation of their spirituality has vanished
Watch the ritual/shaving of the dada hair
Culture Beyond the Mainstream 