A head tie is a West and Southern African women’s cloth head scarf. It is known as a 'Duku' (Malawi, Ghana), 'Dhuku' (Zimbabwe), 'Tukwi' (Botswana) and 'Gele' (Nigeria). The head scarf is used specifically ornamental head covering or fashion accessory, or for functionality in different settings.
Its uses or meaning can vary depending on the country and/or religion.
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In Ghana opportunity to wear a duku usually falls on a religious day of Friday , Saturday or Sunday, depending on if they are Muslim, Seventh-Day Adventists or Sunday church-going Christians.
Malawi head tie are usually small and conservative relative to the Nigerian style. They are worn down at weddings and at funerals. At celebrations like weddings, ceremonies, and formal parties, they are worn upwards. In addition, they are worn to sleep to protect the hair.
In Nigeria they are known as Gele, and can be rather elaborate in size. Most Nigerian head ties are large and colorful[1].
In the church setting, women may wear white Dukus to cover their heads. At the International Pentecostal churches in South Africa, married women wear white Dukus[2].
The Shangaan women in Zimbabwe and South Africa wear Dukus as accessories[3]. At other social gatherings, women may wear a Dhuku[4].