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What is an African head wrap called?

1 Answer
What is an African head wrap called?
There are varying traditional names for African head wraps, head ties or head scarves — the head wrap may be called “dhuku” (Shona), “duku” (Chichewa) or “gele” (Yoruba). It is worn for various reasons and has various functions. In Nigeria, head wraps can be quite ornamental and elaborate as compared to their conservative counterparts in South Africa. The motifs might include nagas and other mythological beings and are embedded in the textile to convey sacred themes, often including protection of the wearer from evil forces. On 1stDibs, you can find early 20th century tribal head wraps from different parts of Africa.
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021
Shop for African Head on 1stDibs
Bronze Sculpture, African Head, On Base, 20th Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
African head in bronze with black patina, on black and white marble base Very good quality of
Category

20th Century French Art Deco Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Vintage African Head Bust in Hand Carved Black Wood
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Small scaled african head bust hand carved in black wood. It has a slight tilt - leaning to one
Category

Mid-20th Century African Mid-Century Modern Busts

Materials

Wood

Carved Wooden African Head
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A wonderful hand carved head of Hardwood. A stunning sculpted and carved piece. A stand alone
Category

20th Century African Folk Art Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Wood, Hardwood

Andrianna Shamaris Antique African Head Rest
By Andrianna Shamaris
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful museum quality, wooden head rest. Stunning patina on this rare piece of art from Sudan
Category

Antique Early 1900s African Tribal Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Wood, Reclaimed Wood

Andrianna Shamaris Antique Wooden African Head Rest
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful museum quality, wooden head rest. Stunning patina on this rare piece of art from Sudan
Category

Antique Early 1900s Tribal Furniture

Materials

Wood, Reclaimed Wood

Large decorative African heads, in ebony Benin 1960
Located in Saint Rémy de Provence, FR
Important African decorative heads, Benin 1960 in ebony. To bring back from a trip Very good
Category

Mid-20th Century Beninese Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Ebony

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