Adire Textile Art: Yoruba Resist Dyeing
Priya Sutaria·Published
Art in Indigo
Adire is the Yoruba tradition of resist-dyed cloth, primarily using indigo. Developed over centuries by Yoruba women, adire represents one of Africa's most sophisticated textile arts.
Two Main Techniques
Adire oniko: Tied and stitched resist, where cloth is folded, tied, and sewn before dyeing to create patterns. Adire eleko: Starch resist, where cassava paste is applied through stencils or freehand before indigo dipping.
Pattern Meanings
Adire patterns are not merely decorative. 'Ibadan Dun' celebrates the city of Ibadan, 'Olokun' honors the sea deity, and 'Jubilee' commemorates historical events.
Preservation Efforts
As synthetic fabrics have threatened traditional dyeing, organizations like the Nike Art Centre work to preserve adire techniques and train new generations of dyers.
