Senior ‘Boys’ Cap
For lot of senior Nigerian male citizens, wearing a native outfit without a fitting traditional cap is perceived as a richly prepared pot of soup without salt –incomplete and classless, lacking expected sophistication and elegance.
Traditionally, the act of cap wearing which is seen as a perfecting fashion accessory or cultural symbolism, whether it is the Yoruba ‘Fila’, Hausa/Fulani ‘Fula’ or Igbo ‘Red cap’, used to be for older men – the senior citizens of Nigeria. However, in recent times, it has become a predominant fashion culture for both young and older men who want to ‘look the look’ of a proudly elegant Nigerian man especially the young men who want to step out as senior boys.
The truth is, wearing a fitting cap as a final touch to overall outfit makes every Nigerian man look impeccably handsome.
Traditional Symbolism of Caps
The Yoruba ‘Fila’ is basically a form of crown for men worn to complement native attires, however, it is believed that wearing the cap to the right indicates being married, while to the left is single and maybe searching.
The Igbo ‘Red Cap’ is a symbol of authority, tradition, and culture, and indicates the conferment of a chieftaincy title. Men that wear this cap are usually addressed as “Nze”, “Ichie”, “Ozo”, “Ogbuefi” etc.
The Hausa/Fulani ‘Fula’ traditionally represents the history of the tribe.
