There are a variety of ways to wear a scarf. In Africa, the head Wrap worn by women for special occasions, weddings, ceremonies, burials, church services, and special celebrations or for every day wear.
| How to wrap an African head wrap step by step directions |
How to wrap an African head wrap:
- Open the fabric, using an oblong piece of fabric at least 48 inches long and 24 inches wide works best. A large rectangular scarf also works well with this style of head wrapping.
- Center the scarf at the nape of your neck making sure that both sides are of equal length.
- Bring the ends forward and twist one side of the length of the fabric, pull over and across the front of your head, tuck in the end. Repeat on the other end.
The African head wrap draws the eye up, rather than down. African women wear head wraps as a queen wears a crown. The African head wrap represents far more than a piece of fabric on the head of a female. African head wraps are a common site throughout Southern and Western Africa. In West Africa, Nigeria, head wraps are called gele, in Malawi Duku and in Zimbabwe dhuku.
