During the 19th century, enslaved Black people in America used a variety of methods to escape from bondage. One of the most ingenious methods was to use their hair as a map. By weaving specific patterns into their hair, enslaved people could encode information about escape routes, safe houses, and other resources.
One of the most common hairstyles used for this purpose was cornrows. Cornrows are a type of braided hairstyle that is created by weaving three or more strands of hair together. They can be worn in a variety of patterns, and each pattern can be used to encode different information.
For example, one common pattern used to map escape routes was the "North Star" pattern. This pattern consists of three cornrows that are braided in a straight line from the forehead to the nape of the neck. The North Star pattern was used to indicate that the escape route led north, towards the free states.
Other common patterns used to encode escape routes included the "river" pattern, the "mountain" pattern, and the "trail" pattern. These patterns were used to indicate the specific route that the escapee should take.
In addition to encoding escape routes, enslaved people also used their hair to encode other information, such as the location of safe houses, the names of sympathetic white people, and the signals that could be used to communicate with other escapees.
The use of hair as a map was a clever and effective way for enslaved people to escape from bondage. It was a method that was easy to conceal from white slaveholders, and it allowed enslaved people to share information with each other in a way that was difficult for their captors to understand.
The use of hair as a map is a reminder of the ingenuity and resilience of enslaved people. It is a testament to their determination to escape from bondage and to build a better life for themselves and their families.
Here are some additional details about how black slaves used hairstyles to map escape routes:
The patterns in the hair were often very complex, and could only be decoded by those who knew the code.
The code was often passed down from generation to generation and was kept a secret from white slaveholders.
The use of hair as a map was not without its risks. If a slave was caught with a map in their hair, they could be severely punished or even killed.
Despite the risks, the use of hair as a map was a valuable tool for enslaved people who were seeking freedom.
The use of hair as a map is a fascinating and important part of African American history. It is a reminder of the creativity and resourcefulness of enslaved people and of their determination to escape from bondage.
CHILDISH MANE celebrates Juneteenth with you and yours as we uplift those who never stopped believing in their right to be free!
