KNOW ABOUT ASO-OKE, THE AFRICAN DENIM AND YORUBA PRIDE

Aso-oke is a common handicraft among the Yoruba people of Western Nigeria. It is a local hand woven fabric with vertical or horizontal loom. This artifact is peculiar to the people of Ondo, Oyo, Ede, Ogbomoso, Owo, Ibadan and most especially Iseyin town in Oyo state. Williams 1998, says " Yoruba traditional setting maintains a reputable environment for the production of high quality and various textile", which had been proven.

There are three major different types of Aso-oke;

1. SANYA: This type of Aso-oke is woven from anaphe wild silk and cotton yarns forming a pale brown beige cloth.

2. ALAARI: This is woven with synthetically or locally grown cotton and shinning threads. Made from magenta waste silk, sometimes with perforated patterns.



3. ETU: "Etu" means "Guinea fowl" this type of Aso-oke is said to resemble the bird plumage.

 

The cloth bears dark indigo colours with tiny white stripes.
One of life's constants is "change" and a constant phenomenon in human history. Change has really helped human race to grow and develop in all ramifications. In the ancient times, Aso-oke was often considered as a status symbol in traditional circle of the Yorubas. It is mostly worn on special occasions, such as, wedding, festivals, chieftaincy title, etc. In recent times, Aso-oke is used for many things and different purposes beyond imagination. It is majorly used as Aso-ebi at Owambe parties especially the gele (head gear), traditional wedding, birthday party and some Nigerian fashion industries create casual wears, shoes, handbags, auto-gele, etc. from the traditional Aso-oke fabrics. Notwithstanding, In marriage ceremony from the ancient times till now, Aso-oke plays an important role in Yoruba land and even beyond.

It is said that "the beauty of Aso-oke fabrics comes out when it is taken as Aso-ebi". However, Hephz_fashion (Instagram handle) is at your utmost service to offer you the best Aso-oke for your ceremonies and auto-gele, a ready and easy to wear head gear ( comes in different designs and colours).

Share: