Gele Posy

Gele Posy (2024) is a digital photo-collage series featuring traditional Nigerian head-ties (or gele) in an array of florally inspired designs. The series is inspired by the long-established tradition and by floriography, otherwise known as, the 'language of flowers’. Floriography is a communication method attributing secret meanings and symbolism to specific flowers, often gifted to another — a practice recorded in traditional cultures for thousands of years. Gele is one element of an often head-to-toe, coordinating (or contrasting pattern) traditional attire worn by Nigerian women. In addition to their stylistic purpose, Nigerian gele designs historically also contained symbolic, unspoken meanings indicating a woman’s social and marital status. Typically worn on special occasions and to church, the gele continues to play a prominent role in Nigerian style and cultural identity as a symbol of pride, sisterhood and unity.

The floral inspired gele featured in this series were conceived by Medina and Nigerian gele artist/photographer Timibra David, who tied them. Gele Posy is a continuation of Medina’s work on traditional Nigerian hair designs - their origins, symbolisms and contemporary influences.

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