Kerchief

noun KER-chif ˈkɛrtʃɪf

Also spelled kercheif, head-kerchief, kotta

A square of cloth worn tied over the head, long a familiar part of Jamaican women's dress — for church, market, field work, or keeping the hair covered at home. In Revival worship a white or coloured kerchief is spiritually significant. The head-tie is both practical and, in folk costume and faith, a mark of identity.

  • Granny tie her kerchief before she go a market.

    Grandma ties her head-cloth before she goes to market.

  • Di Revival sista dem wear white kerchief.

    The Revival sisters wear white head-cloths.

  • She fold di kerchief pon her head neat.

    She folds the head-cloth on her head neatly.

From 'kerchief' (Old French 'cuevrechief', head-cover); central to Jamaican women's dress and Revival attire. See [[tie-head]], [[bandana]].

A head-tie cloth; everyday wear and spiritually significant in Revival. See [[tie-head]], [[bandana]].