Rastafari Head Covering Guide

Rastafari Head Coverings – Faith, Function, and Correctional Considerations

Rastafari Head Covering Practices by House

Purpose of Head Coverings: Across the Rastafari movement, covering the head—especially the dreadlocks—is a deeply spiritual act. It signifies reverence to Jah (God), the protection of divine energy, and a public expression of covenant and discipline. The type, frequency, and symbolism of head coverings vary between Rastafari mansions (sects).

1. Nyabinghi Order

Typical Covering: Large knitted or crocheted tam (cap), often in red, gold, green, and black.
Practice: Commonly worn by both men and women to cover locks.
Symbolism: Reflects royalty, discipline, and reverence; also used to contain and protect spiritual energy.
When Worn: Daily wear; essential during ceremonies, reasoning sessions, and drumming (Nyabinghi) chants.
Accommodation Note: Tams should be permitted in correctional settings as essential religious attire.

2. Bobo Shanti (Ethiopian International Congress)

Typical Covering: Men wear full turbans; women wear long headwraps or veils, usually white.
Practice: Strict head covering at all times; part of their priestly and sacred identity.
Symbolism: Separation from Babylon, holiness, purity, and submission to divine law.
When Worn: Always, including in living quarters, during services, and in public.
Accommodation Note: Bobo Shanti head coverings must not be removed by force; refusal to do so is a religious right, not defiance.

3. Twelve Tribes of Israel

Typical Covering: Tams, scarves, or caps (varies by personal choice).
Practice: More relaxed; members may or may not cover their head regularly.
Symbolism: Reverence and scriptural respect (e.g., during Sabbath or reading Psalms).
When Worn: Often during worship, prayer, or scripture reading.
Accommodation Note: While not strictly mandated, allowing head coverings during religious activities supports freedom of expression.

Chaplain & Institutional Guidance:

Head coverings should be respected as sacred religious garments, not fashion or security threats.
Correctional staff are encouraged to consult faith representatives or recognized organizations like Sanctuary of the Rastafarian Order (SOTRO) for clarification.
Denying access to head coverings may violate religious rights under Canadian law and institutional religious accommodation policies.

🔶 1. What Are the Common Head Coverings in the Rastafari Faith?

Rastafari practitioners wear several types of head coverings, including:

Rasta Tam / Crown – Often knitted or crocheted to hold dreadlocks
Turban – Common among Bobo Ashanti; wrapped with long fabric
Headwraps – Typically cotton or silk wraps, used by both men and women
Scarves – Used casually or for temporary coverage
Knitted Rasta Caps – Popular, with red, gold, and green colors

Each head covering holds spiritual, cultural, and practical significance.

🧵 2. What Are They Made From?

Cotton – Lightweight, breathable, ideal for wraps and turbans
Wool or Acrylic Yarn – Used for tams and crocheted crowns
Silk or Satin – Used by women or for special occasions
Blended Fabrics – Sometimes used in mass-produced items

📏 3. What Sizes Are Common?

Sizing is based on the length and volume of dreadlocks:

Size	Diameter / Use
Small	7–9 inches – for short locks or bald heads
Medium	10–12 inches – shoulder-length locks
Large	13–15 inches – waist-length locks
XL	16+ inches – very long or voluminous locks

Turbans may require 2 to 5 yards of fabric depending on the wrapping style.

🙏🏾 4. Are Head Coverings Required in Rastafari?

Yes – For many Rastas, head coverings are a spiritual obligation, not a fashion choice.

They represent reverence for Jah (God)
Protect sacred dreadlocks
Act as a shield from Babylon (corrupt society)
Symbolize identity and resistance

The requirement varies slightly by mansion (sect):

Mansion	Requirement
Nyabinghi	Strongly encouraged; worn during reasoning and prayer
Bobo Ashanti	Mandatory at all times; turbans for men, full wraps for women
Twelve Tribes	Flexible; often worn in religious or community settings

🚨 5. Correctional Setting Considerations

Cleanliness & Hygiene

In correctional institutions, concerns about hygiene or contraband can clash with religious practice. However:

Rastafari emphasize cleanliness and Ital purity, including frequent head covering changes
Head coverings are often cleaner than prison-issued gear, protecting the hair and scalp from filth, lice, or contamination
Inmates should be allowed multiple coverings to rotate for washing
Proper facilities (e.g., access to laundry or water) help maintain hygiene

Contraband Concerns

Correctional staff may suspect coverings could hide items. Solutions:

Respectful searches without humiliating the inmate
Allow fabric inspections without requiring complete removal in public
Clear policy guidelines to balance security and spiritual rights

📅 6. When Are Head Coverings Typically Worn?

Situation	Usage
Prayer or Reasoning	Always worn
Religious services	Always worn
In cell	Often worn for modesty and protection
Showers	Removed briefly, then re-covered
Visits / Meals	Worn unless policy explicitly prohibits
Yard / Work	Worn when safe and permitted

✅ Institutional Recommendations

Allow at least 2–3 head coverings per Rasta inmate
Educate staff on the religious purpose of head coverings
Use non-invasive search policies
Ensure access to laundry or washing facilities

📘 Final Note

For many Rastas, the head covering is not optional—it’s a sacred act of devotion, cleanliness, and identity. Denial of this right can be spiritually damaging and may violate human rights or religious accommodation laws.

Contact for Support & Clarification: Sanctuary of the Rastafarian Order (SOTRO)
Email: support@jahlove,ca
Web: www.jahlove.ca