Hi great hive minds...... I'll love to share with everyone my latest interest and passion about the Nigerian stylish hair tie called GELE.
As we may know or have heard that, Nigeria is a country in west Africa that has been regarded as a country with different ethnic groups with a greater number of the Igbos(The Eastern part of Nigeria), Hausa's(The Northern part of Nigeria) and Yorubas(The western part of Nigeria). In addition to the other 371 tribes in the country.
Attending a photo shoot about GELE on Saturday boosted my Enthusiasm to learn this beautiful Nigerian head wrap. But first of all,
What is Gele
GELE can be said to come from the Yoruba's and it is a youruba language meaning head wrap.
Gele (also known as head wrap), is the famous word used by the Yorubas, one of the country's many ethnic groups. The wearing of GELE is one of the most traditional attire for all Nigerian ladies and indeed for most African cultures. A skillfully and perfectly folded or crafted Gele can be rather large and elaborate or small and well fitted. Most times, the elaborate ceremonial ones are worn to weddings, special events, and church activities but it can also be part of a day to day activity and for other special occasions like, Birthdays, Burials, and any other occasion.
GELE can be folded into different styles like, fan style, butterfly GELE, round Gele and so on. we have Gele in a wide set of various colours, patterns, and styles, so you’re sure and good to go because there's always a beautiful Gele to match whatever outfit you plan on wearing.
****How and what is GELE made of?**
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One of the most used, referred and trusted fabric for GELE is called Aso-Oke. Originally, Aso-Oke is a textured and smooth, tightly , neatly, glossy, handwoven textile cotton cloth crafted in a variety of traditional patterns, styles and colours. The threads used in weaving are mostly silk, cotton, ,metallic lurex fib and rayon.
Gele comes as a flat piece of fabric, that is then wrapped and crafted around the hair and head of the wearer and tied into place to give the elegant and beautiful look. It can also be tied on a manicure, this is to prevent too much stress from the wearer as it can be carved on a manicure and placed on the head of the wearer later. If worn for ceremonial purposes, they are usually extremely large and rise high above the head of the wearer. However, the beauty of Gele is that they can be worn any way you please, making them a very competent garment.
The making of the Africa head wrap may not really be as easy as it looks as it has to do with much folding, pins and steadiness.
Gele has been seen as an imperative accessory in the traditional wardrobe of a Nigerian/African woman. It is an important part of their dressing as it creates difference and attention. Gele which is called Ichafu in Igbo language is mostly worn with the igbo's blouse and wrapper and it is also used to complement the iro and buba in Yoruba. It is also commonly used among the Hausas but not as commonly worn as the Yoruba's. Just as the saying goes, No single piece of clothing makes a Yoruba woman's look more regal and beautiful like the GELE.
I hope we get to wear our beautiful Nigerian GELE.
"permission taken from my friends to use pictures of them".