Abstract:
This study examines the head dress of Ga women as it is worn now in 2012. It investigates
why the wearing of traditional head dress is no longer common and seeks to understand the
choices Ga women are currently making in what head dress to wear. It further inquires into
whether the head dress of Ga women reflects their status, role and beliefs as much of the
literature on African head dress describes.
The study finds that traditional head dress is now viewed mainly as the preserve of those who
practice Ga traditional religion and that ordinary Ga women are choosing not to wear
traditional head dress because it is closely associated with this sphere. Chemically
straightened hair is now the first option of choice for Ga women used along with braided
extensions and European type hairstyles achieved through use of hair extensions, additions
and attachments.
Through a case study this research demonstrates that traditional head dress has been worn in
the past by ordinary Ga women as a fashionable choice. However, it is now seen as old
fashioned and out of date. The case study also demonstrates that Ga women have always
made choices outside of their traditional head dress and borrowed from other ethnic groups as
well as adopted global trends. This study explores Ga women’s attitudes to the wearing of
traditional, natural and other types of head dress today and the current influence of the media
and
Euro-American
ideals
of
beauty
on
their
head
dress
choices.
