R6041/4 Headwrap; Gele

stripwoven aso-oke fabric in stripes of gold white and blue

Gele (Museum Accession Number: R6041/4)

This aso-oke gele is an elaborate Yoruba headwrap, part of an outfit that was commissioned by the owner Funmi for her London wedding reception in 1995. The couple had four events in total, two took place in the UK and two in Nigeria. 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. Collected as part of the Fashioning Africa project.

Creator: unknown

Place: Nigeria, West Africa, Africa

Date: 1995

a young Black couple wearing aso-oke dance at their wedding
Funmi and Dotun at their wedding reception, 1995

See more of Funmi and Dotun’s wedding looks:

a man's blue and gold aso-oke cap with two triangular flaps on a mannequin head
This abeti aja (aso-oke hat) is part of a groom's outfit, made in Ibadan, Nigeria and commissioned by the owner Read more
blue and gold aso-oke agbada robe
This aso-oke agbada (robe), and sokoto (trousers) are part of an outfit that was commissioned for the owner, Dotun, to Read more
blue and gold striped aso-oke buba with diamond shaped patches of sequins on the yoke
This aso-oke outfit was worn by the owner, Funmi, at her London wedding reception in 1995. Aso-oke, which translates as Read more