Braids were not created by any single person or culture; they have ancient origins and have been practiced globally for thousands of years. The oldest known evidence of braids dates back about 25,000 to 30,000 years, such as the Venus of Willendorf, a Paleolithic figurine with braided hair. Braiding likely originated independently in various cultures, with strong early roots in ancient Africa where braids held cultural and social significance, including identifying social status, tribe, and roles within communities. The practice spread and evolved through ancient Egyptian, Greek, Indigenous American, and many other cultures worldwide, each adding unique styles and meanings to the tradition of braiding hair.
In summary, braids were created collectively across multiple ancient societies as a practical and cultural hairstyle rather than invented by a specific individual or single culture. The tradition of braiding is deeply social and symbolic in many cultures spanning tens of thousands of years.
