BLACK HISTORY FACTS: The Secret History of Cornrows: How This Ancient Hairstyle Helped Slaves Escape

When you think of cornrows, you might think of a stylish and elegant hairstyle. But what you might not know is that cornrows have a rich and fascinating history that dates back centuries.

In the time of slavery in Colombia, hair braiding was used as a secret language to relay messages between slaves. And one of the most important messages they conveyed was the desire to escape.

To signal their desire to escape, women would braid a specific hairstyle called departes. This style featured thick, tight braids that were braided closely to the scalp and tied into buns on top.

But that’s not all – the braids also contained hidden messages. Curved braids, for example, represented the roads they would use to escape. And within the braids themselves, women would hide gold, seeds, and other valuable items that would help them survive after they escaped.

These seeds were not just for decoration – they were also used to grow crops after the slaves escaped. It’s a testament to the resourcefulness and ingenuity of the slaves who used cornrows as a means of resistance.

So next time you see someone with cornrows, remember the rich history and symbolism behind this ancient hairstyle. It’s more than just a fashion statement – it’s a celebration of resilience, resistance, and freedom.