R6047/4 Headwrap; Gele

burgundy aso-oke gele with yellow and white floral design

Gele (Museum Accession Number: R6047/4)

Description: This aso-oke gele was made in Nigeria and worn by Fashioning Africa collecting panelist, Edith Ojo, to a friend’s wedding in 2014 with a coordinating outfit made from African lace. Aso-oke, which translates as ‘top cloth’ or ‘high status cloth’ is a formal textile, traditionally woven by men. It is primarily made from cotton or silk, woven in long narrow strips which are sewn together and then tailored into garments. Aso-oke remains poplular with people in Nigeria and in diaspora. Collected as part of the Fashioning Africa project.

Creator: unknown

Place: Nigeria, West Africa, Africa

Date: 2014

mannequin dressed in white and gold African lace outfit

Edith wore this gele with an African lace outfit (Museum Accession Number: R6047/1 – R6047/4)