The significance of the head wrap relates to women of color because of its roots. The head wrap originated in sub-Saharan Africa, and serves similar functions for both African and African American women. In style, the African American woman’s head wrap exhibits the features of sub-Saharan aesthetics and worldview, while in the United States the head wrap acquired a paradox of meaning not customary to the ancestral movement.
The head wrap of slave women compared to African American women who wear it today is so different. During slavery, white overloads imposed they wear it as a badge of enslavement. Later, it evolved into the stereotype that whites held of the “Black Mammy” servant. The enslaved, however, regarded the head wrap as a helmet of courage. African Americans that wear it today for style, and to represent a symbolic embrace of their enslaved American forebears. Euro-American woman would tie a head wrap over their head, and then it would come back down around their neck while African American women would only have it tied around their head.
A woman by the name of Cassandra Stancil was born in VA Beach in 1954. Her most physical feature is her head wrap. She refers to head wraps in two terms: if she purchases a finished scarf for her head, it is considered a scarf, but if she wraps it with an unfinished cloth, it is a rag. Others usually refer to it as a wrap. The shape of the cloth is the determining factor on how she decides to wear it. She embraces the head wrap as a part of her African American culture. She doesn’t wear her head wrap in certain situations due to the influences of American culture.
Another influence is Cassandra’s subconscious heritage from Africa. Additionally, confrontations with other black women have occurred, but she has maintained true to her personal sense of self. Also, her mother would wear her head wrap in the house but did not think it was appropriate to wear out in public. Moreover, she still argues with her mother today on wearing her head wrap in public.
I think that wearing head wraps is a great way to express one's culture, distinctiveness, and fashion. I like to wear them once in a while but only in certain settings. I wear them to school, the mall, festivals, and any casual public outing. However, I would not wear it to work, or anywhere professional. I do not look down on anyone who does, but I personally would not feel comfortable doing so. On the other hand, I feel that the fashion industry has embraced head wraps as a trend. Our nation is very diverse and it is hard not to be accustomed to the many styles that are very prevalent in our society today. I think that we as Africans and African Americans are very proud of our traditions and styles and when others see how confident we are in sporting these styles, it inspires.
Head wraps can be worn in a variety of ways and can be found in an assortment of styles. In America, it is sometimes difficult to deem when it is appropriate to wear head wraps when it is not for religious reasons and just for style, but it is best to use your best judgement. Regardless, head wraps have evolved with the trends of society and Africans as well as African Americans continue to rock them well.
