Ịchafu: What Did Our Ancestors Call It?
If you grew up speaking Igbo, you’ve probably used the word “ịchafu” to describe a headtie or scarf. It’s so common that most of us assume it has always been part of our language. But here’s something interesting—you might be surprised to learn that “ịchafu” is not originally Igbo!
The word actually comes from French, borrowed from words like “chiffon” (a type of fabric) and “couvre-chef” (meaning head covering or scarf). Over time, our people adapted it, and today, “ịchafu” is the word we all use. Some even say “ịchafu isi” to be more specific. But did you also know that in Igbo, “ịchafu” can mean pieces or abbreviation? That’s how language evolves—it takes on new meanings as people use it in different ways.
What Did Our Ancestors Call It?
Long before “ịchafu” became popular, our ancestors had their own words for a headtie:
Ụnarị
Ụnalị
Ụlarị
These words were once common, but over time, they faded as “ịchafu” took over. If you read Igbo books from the 1960s and 1970s, you’ll notice that “ịchafu” wasn’t used to describe a headtie. And the term “Gele” that many people say today? That’s actually a Yoruba word, not Igbo.
Even within different Igbo communities, there were variations:
Ngwa and Mbaise people called it “akịsị” or “akịshị.”
Uturu people called it “Ụlarị.”
Why Does This Matter?
There’s nothing wrong with saying “ịchafu”—language evolves, and borrowed words become part of us. But isn’t it beautiful to know what our ancestors originally called it? Our language is rich and diverse, and the more we remember, the more we preserve our identity.
And now, “ịchafu” doesn’t just mean a headtie—it also means abbreviation or pieces in Igbo.
So tell me, what does your dialect call a headtie? Let’s keep our language alive⊄
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