Simple steps on how to tie gele

Aso-Oke is a short form of Aso Ilu Oke also known as Aso-Ofi meaning clothes from the up-country. It is the traditional wear mostly from the tribe of the southwest people in Nigeria, Africa. Aso-Oke is a cloth that is worn on special occasions like chieftaincy, festivals, engagement, naming ceremony and other important events.
While growing up, the arts of gele do fascinate me a lot. I developed that huge interest in learning how to make one perfectly well so as to look nice in the ‘Owanbes’ click! Unfortunately, it became a passion that never came to past being distracted with other things. Now, it’s almost criminal not to know how to tie your own.

Now, it is almost criminal not to know how to tie your own gele in Nigeria. As a naija chick you need to have an idea of the basic steps in tying a gele…
Here are six simple steps in tying a Nigerian gele. Have a try,

STEP 1: Make small folds of three at the longest edge of one part of your gele or aso-oke. You can use your lap in sharpening the folds if using the scarf.

STEP 2: Using the folded ends, set your gele on your front head with the short length on your left and the long length on your right, this is just one example

STEP3: Make a tie round, holding the short length with your right hand, hold tight or get someone to help you if you wish. Then wrap the long length round the back of the head until it gets to the front head to meet up the short length you were holding

STEP 4: Tie the two lengths together using the edge of the long length for the tie with the short one.

STEP 5: Start building the gele shaping any how you want it.

STEP 6: Using both hands on the very first layer of gele in front, slightly pull the gele to the back showing steps of round wraps then you set out with your head jeer touching the sky!
Trust this goes a long way!

By Olatunji Omotolani