Gele is what Yorubas refers to their Head Wrap. This article will give the descendants of Oduduwa a forum to discuss and comment on the history of the head Wrap especially the Gele in the Yoruba land.

A Gele is a flat piece of fabric (typically Aso Oke (Jean-like fabric), Brocade (Starched Cotton fabric), African Print, Paper-like fabric with plain or bold patterns (Sego, Jubilee, and more are some brand names of the paper-like fabric), Damask (heavily patterned Paper-like, Velvet-like fabric) and so on) wrapped by hand to form a hat.

Geles are worn by African Women to complement their African Attire. A Gele is usually the highlight of an appearance. A nicely tied Gele can compensate for a not so great looking outfit. A Gele is categorized as a clothing accessory amongst African Women.

History of HeadWrap in America

During slavery, white overlords imposed the wear of headwraps as a badge of enslavement. Later it evolved into the stereotype that whites held of the “Black Mammy” servant. The enslaved and their descendants, however, bravely regarded the headwrap as a helmet of courage that evoked an image of their true homeland – that ancient Africa – or the newer homeland; America. The simple head rag worn by millions of enslaved women and their descendants has served as a uniform of communal identity; but at its most elaborate, the African American woman’s headwrap has functioned as a “uniform of rebellion” signifying absolute resistance to loss of self-definition.

As you can see, the headwrap is much more than a fashion statement. It is a symbol in Africa of one’s life and social status; and in America of survival, courage, and cultural identity.

According to the Yoruba tradition, the way a Gele is tied can indicate a woman’s marital status. A Gele’s end leaning to the right indicates a Woman is married and a Gele’s end leaning to the left indicates a Woman is Single. However, in society today, especially in the Urban areas, there is no defined indication of a Woman’s marital status by the way she ties her Gele. African Women can be very particular on how they want their Gele tied. Some like them tied in levels to stand really high while some like them tied in a more conservative way.

Geles are indeed very beautiful and fascinating when tied. Geles have gotten the attention of millions of people in different countries around the world from Africa to Europe, from Europe to North America, South America and all over the world. Many non-Africans wear Geles as a sign of reverence when attending African events, some as a part of their everyday wear and some that have gotten a soft spot for the Yoruba Culture.

Gele wraping in this Generation is simply a fashion statement of elegance, confident and power.

A Head Wrap Expo 2016 was held in Dearborn, Michigan last summer, 2016. Odu’a Organization of Michigan participated in the Head Wrap Expo 2016. Most of the picture shown are mostly members of the Organization and friends of Odu’a.

Your comments on this topic is welcome. Please send personal pictures of your Gele Head Wrap for posting on our blog. Your expertise commentary on Gele is also welcome.

References this links below:

http://ayannanahmias.com/2009/12/29/naija-style-gele/

http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/africa/07/16/segun.gele.nigeria.headgear/index.html#fbid=HltbHDVHgJZ