![]() ![]() Men and women both in these communities would wear these intricate braids as a way to communicate without words. ![]() These braids could be used to identify those from other tribes, age, marital status, and so many other things.īraids were also a way to foster things like familial relationships and friendships throughout communities. ![]() Braids have been used, especially in Africa, as a form not only of hairstyle, but of art as well. That being said, braids themselves do have some powerful cultural significance. The idea of a Dutch woman in two Dutch braids and a lovely blue and white dress still persists to this day, but this doesn’t mean that there is any Dutch cultural significance associated with these braids.ĭutch braids may have gained popularity in the Netherlands, but this is because they are considered an attractive and useful hairstyle, not as one that is culturally significant. You may recognize the Dutch braid, which is an inverted form of the French braid, as a style sported by women in many old Dutch paintings. There is no real cultural significance linked with Dutch braids specifically, even though other styles of braids do carry this significance in a big way. Related Article: Are Dreadlocks Cultural Appropriation? Cultural Significance of Dutch Braids So, while Dutch braids were first originated in Africa nearly 5000 years ago, they don’t hold any important cultural significance like other hairstyles like dreadlocks.ĭutch braids were so popular in the Netherlands and other places throughout the world for thousands of years that wearing them now is not considered cultural appropriation. Also like the Dutch braid, anyone can wear French braids without it being cultural appropriation. The inverted version of the Dutch braid, the French braid, was first recorded as being worn by women in North Africa. The Dutch were simply the first outside culture to incorporate the Dutch braid into their everyday lives.ĭutch braids are simply so convenient that it was inevitable they would take off and become popular the entire world over.īoth beautiful and practical, Dutch braids became so ubiquitous in the Netherlands that when the hairstyle started to bleed over into other parts of the world, they carried the name Dutch braids.ĭutch braids are very similar to the French braid, another sort of braid that doesn’t originate in the same place it is named after. Like many other styles of braids, the Dutch braid was invented in Africa as a way to protect both the hair and the scalp from the blistering sun while also keeping the hair contained. Conclusion Are Dutch Braids Cultural Appropriation?ĭespite the name, Dutch braids didn’t actually originate in the Netherlands. ![]()
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