Creole woman wearing a Gele
Starting today, I will be covering my hair under a Gele outside of the home. I can see your faces now...a Gele-WHAT? Did you sneeze? Yes, a Gele. No, this isn't a religious thing, its not political statement, but it is something that I have done before and want to do as part my heritage. I cover my hair when I am at home in a silk scarf not only to protect my hair, but as sign of beauty. African American women, like many other women (nuns, other religions, Muslim and Jewish women, women from India) have covered their hair not only as a sign of modesty but beauty as well. I want to start wearing it outside of my home as an educational tool to teach others about this historical and beautiful art as well as a point of pride.
The type of African head wrap called the "Gele" is an on old cultural tradition, and is found not only in many parts of Africa, but is part of a tradition, both cultural and religions, in the New World-in the Caribbean, in Brazil, and right here in the US in Louisiana and other parts of the south (Daily Kos, 2008)
Many black women have worn or wear the Gele such as Aretha Franklin, Ericka Badou, Nina Simone, Tyra Banks, and more. Many of you who walk around with a scarf on your head just to buy some milk or keeping it wrapped up because don't feel like taking your hair down...are in fact...wearing a basic form of Gele.
Aretha Franke sporting her Gele
The Gele comes from the Yoruba in Nigera. Sos-oke, Brocade, Hayes Original, and Damask are some of the material used when making a Gele. It is synonymous with the Japanese Kimono and the French Fan. It has a language of its own and tells a lot about the wearer. It is believed that if the right end of the Gele sticks out, the wearer is married. If it sticks out left, the wearer is single.
Women who wear the "Gele" seek out professional tie experts. One Gele expert is Segun Olalaye, also known as Segun Gele, who is infamous for his beautiful styles. He was born in Nigeria but brought the art of the Gele to the United states.
Segun Gele and his masterpieces.
Although I won't be wearing my as big, I will be wearing mine proudly. Here is how I usually tie my Gele.
Its backwards, I know..sorry.
This is one of my favorite forms of Gele.
The Gele is stylish
Also, the Gale became a symbol of servitude during the Dutch colonization of South Africa. African maids servants were distinguished by their Gele and their eccentric and bright patterns. There was actually an exhibit at the J.B Speed Art Museum relating the history of different African clothes. So, when picking a cloth for your gele, make sure to understand the history behind it. As mentioned earlier, the Gele has it's own meaning.
The Secret Laughter of Women-Nia Long and Colin Firth
A movie exhibiting the Gele that many don't know about is "The Secret Laughter of Women" starring Firth and Long. The Gele and its importance is showcased all through out the film. With married women, the BIGGER, the BETTER. It was such a wonderful movie to watch, not only because of the great story line ( its on youtube) but because of all the beautiful Geles and clothing.
Hope you enjoyed this. Give me your thoughts :-)
Peace of Christ
