Chelmsford Community Support Centre

Headgear (Gele)

A woman wearing a gele

Headgear (gele)

The Headgear has always played an important part in African culture. Male head wraps symbolize wealth and social status, while female headdress is a sign of prosperity and spirituality. The headgear originated in sub-Saharan Africa, and serves similar functions for both African and African American women. The headgear is regarded as a helmet of courage that evoked an image of true homeland — be that ancient Africa or the newer homeland, America.

Attire is a means of expressing sexuality among Nigerians. Males use various types of cap (fila) to demonstrate to their female admirers their elegance; while the females tie their head-gears (gele) in various styles to attract the attention of their male admirers. Headgears are fascinating to the eyes and are sculptures of pride to the bearer.

Today, you see more of these elegant headgears worn by both old and young at weddings and other big occasions.

How to tie or wear your African head-gear (gele)

Tying your head-gear is as easy as making a bow but more versatile. The following steps will work you through the basics styles:

  1. Start by folding the head gear piece in half lengthwise.
  2. Rap the piece around your head with the right extending about one and half of the left side.
  3. Push in the left side but keep the ends out while crossing the right side over (on top of the left end); also keep the right-side ends out.
  4. Pull both ends as tight as desired. Push the left side while pulling the right side to get the desired comfort.
  5. Push in the right side only from where it touches the left side but without pulling it all the way through. This forms a bow.
  6. You may now move this bow to the front, side or leave it on the back; the choice is yours. Spread out the two ends to obtain a rose petal look, or pin the two ends to obtain yet another look.

The different styles and looks are endless. You’ll be surprised what you can achieve by experimenting.