Wrap Star Ann Marie
“I am not fully dressed until I am wrapped”- Auset Queen
Introducing WrapStar, avid reader, belly dancer, seamstress, and feature of the week, AUSET QUEEN! As you feast eyes on the photos of this graceful WrapStar, keep in mind that she has sewn many of the garments you see and makes dance costumes for her troupe. An ample sampling of her work can be found on her blog www.riange.blogspot.com.
In response to my question as to why she wraps, Auset avows “Wrapping 
my hair keeps me grounded. It signals my psyche that we are venturing into the everyday world where there isn’t always peace but to maintain a peaceful demeanor nonetheless”. Her passion unwavering and swelling as she adorns herself with the gele, crown, and the “nubian princess’; a name she coined for the head wrap worn in the photo. This type of head wrap allows her to balance the sword on the flat edge with “little effort”.
Let’s take a moment to talk about the beautiful, quite popular and often challenging Gele’. Gele is a Yoruba (Nigerian) word for female head wrap which traditionally has been symbolic of a woman’s marital status, family bloodline and social and cultural status. There are a few types of materials which are used to create the gele, such as Brocade Materials, Damask, and Aso-Oke. The gele’s appeal is its versatility; I have seen it worn for weddings, naming ceremonies, birthday parties, and to church services. I invite you to comment at the bottom of this article and let us know where YOU have worn or seen the Gele.
Auset wraps her hair “everyday” and has done so for the past five years since being introduced to the gele by her sister Delali Haligah of Osun Designs. She may remove her wraps for dance performances but re-wraps as soon as she is finished. Understanding that sometimes a transitional period is necessary, Auset mindfully eased her friends and co-workers into the look by wrapping on Fridays and Weekends. She says; “at first, it was a shock for them.” referring to her friends and co-workers. But Auset had staked her claim and “proudly announced” her “Afrikaness, blackness, and pride”! As she eloquently states: “convicted in my beliefs, spirit firmly rooted, I forged forth and don a crown everyday.” And she has not looked back since!
As you may recall, an important aspect of these “It’s A Wrap” features is 
learning about WrapStar challenges and how we respond and overcome. Auset has had her share of challenges and triumphs ranging from her experiences with the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) to her day to day experiences. She says “I live and work in an environment that does not foster individuality…Unfortunately; many of my African American associates aren’t pleased. I’ve been told I’m too black.”
A Caucasian associate told her she “looks ethnic”. Curiosity abounding, I asked Auset about her response on these occasions; to which she declares “there is power in silence”. She pairs her silence with what she calls the “mama look” she learned from her mother. I am sure you know the look! It’s the one that has the power to put the most unruly child back in line, just like a trained soldier to a drill sergeants’ command. The duality of silence and a dose of the “mama look” is often enough to forgo further commentary. I can only smile as I imagine this scenery unfold.
Please join CaribDirect, Sandal Solé®’, and Headwraps & WrapStars as we 
congratulate this week’s feature, Auset Queen!
You can learn more about Auset and the beautiful garments she has sewn lately by visiting her blog. There is also an informative and interesting commentary on her experiences with TSA located in the group.
A special note for our readers:
You can choose to wear a head wrap based on your favorite color, pattern, or to add that layer of elegance and distinctiveness to your outfits. Experiment with the fabrics to learn what would look better with a pair of jeans versus a gown. Let your creativity take hold and WRAP ON WRAPSTAR! You are welcomed to share your pictures with Headwraps & WrapStars!
If you would like to learn more about the gele, visit Headwraps & WrapStars where I will talk more about the gele. Also, I invite you to subscribe to my YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/user/SmilesNapptural); in the near future I will post a how-to guide for the gele.
I welcome your comments.
Check out and LIKE our Antigua & Barbuda Facebook page here
