History of Headwraps Unwrapped
Here are key things to listen out for:
Trace the history of the African head wrap and how its meaning and significance has changed overtime
How headwrap has shaped black beauty and culture
Why it was illegal for black women to wear their hair out
Our hair is our style, it is our culture and it is also politics.
Intro:
The history of the African head wrap is one that is steeped in controversy. Long before it was appreciated for its ability to compliment beautiful black hair, it was blamed for its association with slavery, seen as a sign of inferiority, and even outlawed.
In this episode, Toya and Paola take us on a journey through time, while explaining the controversial history of headwraps. Toya and Paola have an engaging conversation about headwraps. Paola takes us through her experience growing up around headwraps and creating a business around them. We learn why she started such a beautiful business. We also discuss the rise of the popularity of headwraps in the US. Paola also opens up about how she feels about white women rocking headwraps. She also equips us with some ultimate head wrapping tips and tricks and so much more.
So, strap on your headphones and get comfortable because Toya and Paola will be taking you on a journey through time.
Definition of headwraps
Cambridge dictionary defines headwraps as: “head covering made from or looking like a piece of cloth wrapped around the head and fashion traditionally worn in many African cultures.”
According to Paula headwrap is a head covering that is more than an accessory just like a fly accessory like a headband, rooted in culture and history and whoever wears it needs to understand that because the head wrap makes you feel taller, it makes you stand taller, it gives your presence another meaning.
A brief history of headwraps.
Over two hundred years ago, during the early 1700s, head wraps were worn by women in Sub-Saharan Africa as a way to designate their age, marital status, and lineage. The head wrap was also a way to decorate oneself much like an Instagram profile today—a means of displaying one's personal fashion sense. The fabric used in these early head wraps was often rich, elaborate, and patterned with exotic flowers.
Fast forward to Nigeria in the mid-1900s, where head wraps were reserved for special occasions and made from lighter fabrics. The Head Wrap was also used as a sign of respect for elders and royalty. In fact, many African cultures use the head wrap as a symbol of respect: the Ethiopian Queen wore one wrapped around the crown of her head while married women would wear it tied on top of their heads to show their marital status.
In Western culture, the head wrap has become a symbol of empowerment for women. It represents a rejection of modern Eurocentric beauty standards that favor straight hair over natural curly or kinky hair.
Fast forward.
Headwraps are beautiful, but they are more than just a great accessory option. They have a long and rich history, rooted in culture and tradition. The headwrap is such an important part of the African diaspora it's practically inseparable from the people who wear it. That's why anyone who dons one should understand its significance.
The headwrap has become an iconic symbol of black women. Historically, it was worn by slaves in America as a way to maintain their modesty and preserve their identity, despite the dehumanization that came with servitude. It also served as a way for them to communicate messages of love and longing, as well as spirituality.
In West Africa, headwraps have been worn for hundreds of years by both men and women as a symbol of strength and power. During colonization, Europeans tried to ban Africans from wearing the traditional headscarves—they were considered a sign of rebellion and a refusal to assimilate into the Western world.
Today, the headwrap has evolved into many different styles, shapes, and materials. For example, N'deye Diop-Bovet has created her own take on them: she uses her scarves to reflect her modern African heritage and express herself through artistry and fashion design
Conclusion
The headwrap continues to be a powerful representation of both femininity and the African diaspora. Whether worn by Florence Griffith Joyner during her Olympic track career or Beyoncé at the Super Bowl, its meaning remains steadfast: No matter where we go or what we do, our roots are always with us.
In this episode we are going to trace the history of the African head wrap, looking at how its meaning and significance has changed over time, and how it has shaped black beauty and culture. No matter where you go in the diaspora, whether it be the Caribbean, Africa, South America or places in the US, you'll see head wraps and head wraps have been here since the beginning of time and remains an important part of black culture.
Sit back, relax, and let's delve in!
Timestamps
[00:05:14] A little bit about Paola
[00:07:41] The dictionary definition of headwrap
[00:09:02] The history of the headwrap from the beginning of the Royal beginning.
[00:22:10] Introducing Paola, Fanm Djanm Paola's brand, how it began, and sustainability initiatives.
[00: 26:29] Paola's definition of a headwrap
[00:30:20] Where Paola learned about headwraps
[00:32:54] Black women are suddenly taking control.
[00:37:41] Paola describes how she started her fashion business with a few friends from the ground up.
[00:44:12] Why is it necessary to have a personal connection in business?
[00:44:44Paola's thoughts/feelings on white women wearing headwraps
[00:50:57] Why do we wrap our hair in addition to being an accessory?
[00:54:53] Paola’s creative process of picking a print or fabric.
[01:00:34] Paola's buying and styling tips and tricks for headwraps
[01:07:09] Where can you find Paola and how can you support her?
[01:09:48] Paola's response to the signature question
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To learn more about today guest, Paola Mathé. Visit her Headwrap company Fanm Djanm website. Follow her on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
To learn more about the podcast host Toya, visit ToyaFromHarlem.com. Connect with Toya on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn
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Research credit: @mellehartley | @drommamedia
