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“When I think of headwraps,
I think of control.” said one Naturalista. “What kind of
control” asked another. “Patriarchal…” she replied.
Patriarchal control is
most certainly a part of history that many women are
discussing more now than ever before. The idea that women
had to be covered from head to toe, whether a Hijab or a
Holiness Doily or Chapel Veil was a Biblical, Islamic,
spiritual/religious practice that male leaders spoke often
about and required of women, their parishioners and
especially of their spouses.
This is something that
people would not immediately consider “control” because it
doesn’t seem as overt as a couple living next door where the
wife and children never leave the house because they aren’t
allowed to. While women’s rights have advanced throughout
the generations, many still hold covering the head as a
sacred practice and carry personal convictions by religious
doctrine more so than the preference of their husbands. So
although they may not do it for the male leaders in their
religion or their spouses, they do it because of its
presumed innocence, chastity, humility and modesty.
In more modern history, it
was known that enslaved Black women were ordered to wear
coverings on their heads because their natural aesthetic was
considered dreadful to the masters who owned them. This was
due to the long, uncomfortable transport in slave ships,
coupled with a lack of hair tools or elements to care for
their highly textured hair. Those conditioned lead to
matted, filthy tufts of hair that was unpleasant to view,
touch or smell.
Many enslaved people
shaved their heads completely by the time they touched
American land. Yet there were some benefits to the head
coverings; during slavery, head scarves were most often
white and made of cotton or linen and they protected the
hair and scalp from the beaming sun, rain and other climate
elements that could damage their hair.
For some, head wrapping
has also represented a form of covering and protection from
things that may cause harm both physically and mentally,
almost like a Super Power. Brittany Jones, who rocked
all-black everything, posed with her right fist in the air-a
symbol that resounds Power to the People and now Black
Lives Matter. When asked what head wrapping means to her,
Jones replied “It means protection: protection of the
lineage, protection of my essence and most importantly,
protection of my culture that is exuded through my hair.”
Face Masks are an Ohio
government-mandated practice that affects all residents, so
seeing people in them isn’t anything to write home about.
But Black women are innovative trend setters who blaze new
trails in fashion no matter what the circumstances are. Head
coverings are already a practical form of Personal
Protective Equipment (PPE) that health professionals wear
and are a part of the fight against the spread of the novel
Coronavirus. So creating head wraps that match face masks is
a pandemic need while also creating a new niche for
entrepreneurs and seamstresses.
Toledoan Jeanette Martin
is a leader, mentor and inspiring creative who provided a
handmade purple and gold matching headwrap, mask and earring
ensemble, featured in the photo shoot. Her creation took the
theme to another level and was worn as a symbol of pride and
royalty, receiving admiration from all the Naturalistas in
attendance.
Local Travel Blogger,
Lastisha Williams, also known as The Frugalicious Diva, wore
all black with Cheetah Print accessories. She said:
“Headwrapping gives me a sense of freedom and pride. Pride
in my heritage. Pride in my beauty. Pride in my Blackness” A
woman who is unapologetically Black, she travels the world,
locating Black-owned businesses and sharing her findings
with her followers and subscribers.
Shari Thompson echoed this
sentiment stating “headwrapping means a freedom of
expression and self-identity, and embracing our unique
culture and heritage.”
Culturally and personally,
head wrapping signifies something different for each person
who chooses to wear one. Nigerian brides and their families
often don Geles, which is a paper-like fabric that is folded
and fanned into a structure that may be round, feathered or
intricate. South African women often use the Afrikaans word
doek while Ghanaian women call theirs dukus.
Depending on how they are
styled, they may represent a tribe or ethnicity, wealth,
marital status, or even mourning. “It is my belief that
Headwrap represents certain cultures and a reflection of
yourselves as exhibiting a style of expression. Also, Head
wrapping can be a non-verbal way to communicate his or her
journey in life.” said Donnetta Carter, The Social
Butterfly, who is a local entrepreneur and hosts and
promotes many businesses in the Toledo metropolitan area.
In America today, head
wrapping is often a part of a Naturalista’s “uniform,” as
many Black women can be seen regularly donning colorful
wraps that bend, twist and curve to whatever mood she is in
or as an accent to her outfit for the day. But for some who
attended the photo shoot, they weren’t used to wearing head
wraps and needed some assistance in wrapping.
Fanell Williams, author,
just began her locking journey and this photo shoot was her
first time wearing a head wrap, which was made by Eden
Couture’s CEO, Nicholas Harper. She went to The Kitchen
Salon, located on a lower level of the Davis Building, to
have her head wrapped for the photo shoot.
“I don’t think I’ve ever
thought of what head wrapping means to me, however I know
the energy that it exudes especially when I see a beautiful
black sista wearing one. I automatically envision a Black
Woman standing tall in her beauty, head held high knowing
her worth, and her identity. A radiant, royal glow with skin
kissed by the sun. Head wrapping is a work of art skillfully
designed to accentuate the crown of a royal daughter.” said
Williams.
Teena Jones and Daughter
Naomi shared that “ Head wrapping means protection of my
identity and heritage; A sense of pride that black women
share around the world.”
As the evening came to a
close, the final photos were captured. Darlene Moye-Whitehead
posed as if the bright runway was her microphone. Poetic
affirmations flowed from her as she described what head
wrapping means to her: “I am a natural woman: grounded,
resilient, beautiful, fabulous, bold, a queen, kind,
fearless, and phenomenal!”
If there had to be a vote
taking place during this photoshoot, the women in attendance
would have all won! There wouldn’t have been an opportunity
for critiques or debates. The facts are the proof in the
pudding, or pictures, as they are published in The
Sojourner’s Truth newspaper.
“My favorite part of the
shoot is the positive energy and sense of sisterhood. These
women and young girls who participate never cease to amaze
me in how they support and encourage one another. I also
look forward to seeing the unique styles and expressions of
the current theme and dress code that each lady will bring
to the shoot and every year I’m blown away. “- Carla Thomas,
lead photographer and visionary for the annual Naturalistas
Photo Shoot.
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