Understanding The Different Cultural Ways To Tie A Turban

By Jennie Sandoval


There are infinite explanations for needing to tie a turban. Some people wish to look ethnic or alternative. This was particularly so among some fringe groups including the hippy movement. However, they are mostly worn a fashion accessory and to provide a quick solution to hair problems that need to be be hidden temporarily.

Classic turbans as most people think of them are those worn in India by the Sikh people. They are worn for religious reasons by the men who are prohibited from cutting their hair. You will never see a Sikh man in public unless he is full turbaned up. Young boys do not wear the full head dress until they reach a certain coming of age. Their long hair is tied into a small knot with a plain piece of cotton.

India has a rich tradition of textile manufacture and Sikh costumes were often cut from luxurious cloth such as silk and satin. The head dresses were no exception. They were often interwoven with shiny threads and studded with jewels. The princes and the aristocracy had the most magnificent attire of all. Although women did not wear tie on head gear as did the men, their wealth was displayed in their fabulous saris and the jewellery that adorned their bodies.

Hand tied head gear is not the preserve of the Indians alone. Indeed many other cultures of the world had something similar. The old Turkish civilisations had a head gear which also denoted wealth according to its quality. Nomadic Arabs such as the Tuareg people are also famous for their scarves piled on their heads and then wrapped around their faces only leaving spaces for eyes. The look was immortalised by the movie Lawrence of Arabia.

Perhaps less well known are the West African Yoruba people. They too traditional wore a turban style headgear. The difference here is that the dress is worn be women and not the men. However, just like their Asian male counterparts, the standard and quality of cloth used in the wraps signified economic or royal status. Imported brocade and silk were commonly used. In order to achieve the classic Yoruba look, the cloths were stiffened with starch. Local cloth were also used particularly those produced on handlooms.

Rastafarian people both men and women also tie their hair in a distinctive head wrap. They often use brightly coloured cottons and are particularly fond of tie and dyes and of African print materials. Rastafarian wear their hair in dreadlock and were the first people to popularise the hairstyle. Their music, culture and hairstyles were brought to international attention by Bob Marley and the Wailers.

Each of the classic head wrap styles has its own special way of being tied according the cultural tradition it emanates from. If you want to replicate it for yourself you can learn it from someone who is from the particular cultural background you are interested in. You tube is a great resource for anyone wishing to learn the skill. How to video exist for all the turban styles.

It is up to you why you might decide to tie a turban. If you feel the urge then you should go with it. Learning the tying method may not be easy. However, if you are completely defeated, try one of the ready made ones in hat form.




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