World Three

Lore & Background

The earliest known depiction of braiding may be the Venus of Willendorf, a female figurine unearthed in Austria estimated to have been made between about 28,000 and 25,000 BCE. The Venus of Brassempouy in France is estimated to be about 25,000 years old and ostensibly shows a braided hairstyle. Various braided hairstyles have historically been common in cultures throughout the world, including in Western Asia, the Indian sub-continent, China, Northern Europe, and among the Celts, Iberians, Germanic peoples, Slavs, Vikings, and the people of Ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. In some regions, a braid was a means of communication and social stratification.

In Their Own Story

The green light of the forest is heavy with the scent of damp earth and old moss. Tim steps forward, his boots sinking slightly into the soft ground, only to hear the distinct, rhythmic thud behind him. The Shadow is close again, a dark silhouette that moves with unnatural speed through the undergrowth. He reaches for the golden key hanging from a high branch, but a spike of thorns blocks his path. Instead of retreating in frustration, Tim closes his eyes and pulls the world back. The thorns retract, the shadow retreats into the mist, and the moment resets, offering a second chance to reach what was once lost.

Reader's Guide

The simplest and most common version is a flat, solid, three-stranded structure. More complex patterns can be constructed from an arbitrary number of strands. Incorporating more hair as the braid progresses can create styles such as knotless braids and French braids. Small items like beads and shells can also be incorporated into the braid. There are a number of different types of braided hairstyles, including French braids, cornrows, and box braiding.

Did You Know?

• Braiding has been used to style and ornament human and animal hair for thousands of years.
• The Venus of Willendorf may be the earliest known depiction of braiding, dating to about 28,000–25,000 BCE.
• In some cultures, braids were a means of communication, indicating marital status, age, social class, and religion.
• Braiding is traditionally a social art, often passed from elders to younger generations.