Head tie facts for kids

A head tie is a special kind of head scarf worn by women, especially in West Africa and Southern Africa. It's not just a simple scarf; it's often a very fancy and artistic way to cover the head. Think of it as a beautiful crown made from fabric!

Women use head ties for many reasons. They can be part of everyday clothing, but they are also worn for important events like weddings, religious ceremonies, or celebrations. The way a head tie is styled can show a woman's age, marital status, or even her social standing.

What is a Head Tie?

A head tie is a piece of fabric, usually rectangular or square, that is wrapped and tied around a woman's head. The fabric can be made from different materials like cotton, silk, or even more luxurious fabrics. What makes a head tie special is the creative way it is folded, twisted, and tied to form unique shapes and designs.

Different Names for Head Ties

Head ties are known by many names across Africa. For example:

• In Nigeria, especially among the Yoruba people, it's called a gele. Gele styles can be very tall and elaborate.
• In Ghana, it's often called a duku or dhuku.
• In other parts of Africa, you might hear names like doek (in South Africa and Namibia) or turban.

Why Women Wear Head Ties

Women wear head ties for many reasons, including:

• Culture and Tradition: Head ties are a big part of African culture and heritage. They connect women to their ancestors and traditions.
• Fashion and Style: They are a beautiful fashion accessory. Women often choose fabrics and styles that match their outfits or express their personality.
• Religious Reasons: For some women, wearing a head covering is part of their religious practice, showing modesty or devotion.
• Protection: A head tie can also protect hair from dust, sun, or wind.

How Head Ties are Made and Worn

Head ties are usually made from colorful fabrics with bold patterns. Some fabrics are specially designed for head ties, like the stiff but flexible fabrics used for elaborate gele styles.

To wear a head tie, a woman carefully folds and wraps the fabric around her head. There are countless ways to tie a head tie, from simple knots to complex, towering structures. Learning to tie an elaborate head tie can take a lot of practice and skill! Some women even become experts at tying head ties for others, especially for special occasions.

Head Ties in Modern Times

Even today, head ties are a very important part of fashion and culture in many African countries and for people of African descent around the world. They are seen on runways, at formal events, and in everyday life. They represent beauty, pride, and cultural identity.

A Nigerian headtie, showing an elaborate style.

Gambian women wearing their head ties by the beach.

Related pages

• Head scarf
• Hijab

Images for kids

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  A Ghanaian woman wearing a vibrant head tie.

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  An elaborate head tie worn by Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who was the President of Liberia.

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  An Ivoirian woman proudly wearing her head-tie.

See also

In Spanish: Paño africano para niños