One of Nigeria’s finest and fabulous traditional wear is Aso-Oke. It is a hand-loomed cloth woven by the Yoruba people of South-West Nigeria. It is a fabric used by the high class in society. This fabric is also referred to as Ofi or Alai in some parts of Yoruba land. Aso-Oke can be translated as ‘Top Cloth’ in English making it a wear for top occasions, such as Chieftaincy, wedding, naming and other top ceremonies. The fabric has some distinct color and can also be multi-colored. The fabric is always very heavy and it’s a perfect material for the cold seasons because of its thickness.
This hand-loomed woven cloth is of different types. The designers structurally manipulate and combine animal and floral motifs into definite shapes of grids and geometry. Sanyan is one type that is woven from anaphe wild silk and cotton yarns. Another type of this fabric is Alaari, which is woven with synthetically or locally grown cotton and shinning threads. It is sometimes perforated with patterns. Elu type bears dark indigo colors with tiny stripes and it is known for its simplicity. This fabric is often worn with aran, a brown velvet with concentric designs.
The fabric is woven to make men’s robes called Agbada, trousers called Sokoto (always designed with embroideries at the ankle), and men’s cap called fila. Yoruba traditional heads and chiefs adorn this wear. It is also worn by the Yoruba groom in a traditional wedding. It is one of the dashing outfits you would see from this part of the world.
When people talk of aso oke, they are usually referring to the traditional Yoruba women’s garment. It is made into buba (Yoruba blouse), iro (a wrap skirt), gele (head tie) and iborun or ipele (shawl or shoulder sash). The Yoruba women’s outfit isn’t complete without the iborun or ipele, which is mostly made from this fabric. Aso Oke is one outfit you’ll see in Yoruba traditional wedding ceremony. The bride is always the perfect definition of beauty and gorgeous in this attire.
This attire is adorned by all age and social groups. Yoruba traditional dancers also adorn this wear. Nigerian popular artist, Lagbaja, is known to adorn this beautiful attire. It is a wear for all who dares to stand out.