African Food and Art

Thank you to our latest donor, Tony. Thank you, Tony. We were able to purchase three new stainless steel pots to continue our cooking and teaching heritage.

How to Wrap a Gele African Head Wrap Step by Step Directions

African Head Wrap How-to.

How to wrap an African head wrap step by step directions


In Africa, the head wrap worn by women of all colors, tribal and ethnic groups for special occasions, weddings, ceremonies, burials, church services, and special celebrations or for everyday wear.

There are a variety of ways to wear a head wrap scarf.

How to Wrap a Gele African Head Wrap Step by Step Directions

Wrapping a head wrap is easy, just follow the steps below. There are countless styles of African head wrapping, it may take a couple of tries but you will be an expert in no time.

How to wrap an African head wrap

1. 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.

2. Center the scarf at the nape of your neck making sure that both sides are of equal length.

How to wrap an African head wrap step by step directions

3. 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. 

African head wraps are African beauty and African style setters in the history of America and Africa. 

Wrap African head wraps with confidence

How to Wrap a Gele African Head Wrap Step by Step Directions


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