The head wrap is a head tie for both men and women. It is a colorful piece of fabric and embodiment of rich culture and history. It is commonly worn in southern and western Africa, in the past in Namibia; the headscarf was referred to as a ‘doek’ an Afrikaans word meaning cloth. The elderly local women in the rural areas used the cloth to tie their head both at home and in community events. The head wrap is tied differently according to the event, outfits and comfort. While some people believe it is a symbol of spirituality, wealth and prosperity, others just wear it because of their pride in African heritage.
Head wraps protects the person from extreme heat, sandstorms and cold especially in areas with desert climate. While some creative women and men are able to make their own, majority purchase readymade.
Lately the ancient wrap is back on fashion in different style and colors alongside the ‘Kitenge’ it is so trendy and unlike in the past, the wrap is worn for fashion not for its helpful importance.
