What is an African head wrap called?
What is an African head wrap called?
In Nigeria a head tie is called a gele — that’s the word used by the Yoruba, one of the country’s many ethnic groups. But the wearing of head wraps is traditional for all Nigerians and indeed for most African cultures. An artfully folded gele is part of everyday wear and de rigueur for special occasions like weddings.
What is the significance of African head wrap?
In Africa, head wraps have a practical and fashionable purpose. Wraps can be use to protect one’s head from the harsh sun and can be used as hair protective styling. But head wraps can also represent ethnicity, wealth, mourning, and marital status depending on the type of head wrap is worn and how it is worn.
Do Africans wear head wraps?
Born into slavery, reclaimed by African women, the headwrap is now a celebrated in the African fashion industry to express style and identity. A beautiful and symbolic expression of identity and style, the traditional African headwrap is so much more than a fabric to cover the head.
What do African Americans wear on their head?
A durag (alternate spellings) is a close-fitting cloth tied around the top of the head to protect the hair; similarly a wave cap is a close-fitting cap for the same purpose.
What nationality wears head wraps?
Muslim countries
A form of headscarf, known as the hijab, is commonly seen in Muslim countries and is born out of qur’anic tradition. It is worn primarily by Muslim women for religious purposes, and its style varies by culture.
How do you tie an African style headscarf?
Just put a headwrap around your head and tie the ends, making the second half knot above the first one. Thus, twist each end, bring it behind the bun, and tuck into the knot at the front. This look can be your go-to when you want effortless glam, as a scarf with African print is a perfect accessory.
Are turbans apart of African culture?
The practices dates back to pre-colonial African history in sub-Saharan Africa, and head wraps were considered symbols of status, marriage, and family lineage. During the Transatlantic Slave Trade, they were one of the few cultural pieces enslaved Africans were able to bring to the Americas.
Are head wraps cultural appropriation?
Traditionally the head wrap belongs to Black, indigenous, people of color, and wearing one can often be an act of cultural appropriation. If you’re white, it’s likely best not to wear head wraps in public, in the West; to leave it for wear by those people and cultures with a historical attachment to the head wrap.