types of traditional fabrics in nigeriatypes of traditional fabrics in nigeria

By blending cotton with synthetic fibers, canvas can become water resistant or even waterproof, making it a great outdoor fabric. Atiku. Since then, the fabric . It was originally woven of silk for the Ashanti royalty. 7. Ethiopia has conditions that are good for growing cotton thus cotton was then locally grown and woven into cotton fabric on horizontal pit-looms[20] mainly used by those with high social status. The decorative pattern depends on the region and the imagination of the embroiderer. African Heritage modelsOriginal Source: African Heritage House. Nigeria is home to many creative crafters that are scattered all over the country. Nigerian Aso Oke: Aso oke meaning top cloth, is the most prestigious hand-woven cloth of the Yoruba of Nigeria due to the level of expertise and time required to weave the cloth. African wax print fabrics, or ankara (also known as kitenge in East Africa), are composed of pure cotton in a method of production known a batik, a wax-resist dyeing process. Kente cloth patterns are characterized by a bright mix of colors and geometric shapes, interwoven in contrasting bands or blocks. November 1, 2021. . They often have tightly woven edges - called the selvedge - and there are many weave types to create different effects. This fabric tells its own tale as a dynamic Yoruba woven textile. [2], Gele is traditionally a garment worn/wrapped around the head. As a mother of a 4-year old son, I love learning about childrens health and development, as well as finding new interesting toys and activities for my little one. This textile is popular for its thickness and beauty. Some of the traditional dresses in Nigeria root back to ancients tribes who lived here centuries ago, others were formed by the influence of British, Portuguese and French colonizers (19-20th . Aso oke fabrics are manufactured locally in Osun and Oyo states, Nigeria. Often relates to a set of social relationships that are religious, political, and or historical practices. Aso oke. Across Africa, there are many distinctive styles, techniques, dyeing methods, and decorative and functional purposes. Gele is made from firm materials. The garments are known by various names in different ethnic groups and languages. Cord lace. Lamba Mena is the most sumptuous fabric of all Malagasy weavingsoie sauvage (raw silk) in glorious shades of emerald green, deep purple, scarlet, burnt orange, walnut and ash white. New techniques of resist dyeing developed making mass production easier. The traditional batik methods are still practised in West African countries today, albeit in small workshops and without . https://artsandculture.google.com/exhibit/the-fabric-of-africa-african-heritagehouse/xwISIFA_fBjSIA?hl=en The printed indigo fabric first made its way into Africa in the 1840s when French missionaries presented it to Lesothos King Moshoeshoe. In eastern Zimbabwe, a long tradition of making sturdy naturally-coloured mats from bark fiber exists. Plus, I love pop culture, travelling, crafts, and anything that can make our daily life more thrilling! Traditionally they are farmers and cloth-weavers. The story behind these fabrics and flags started with the Fante people of Ghana, who in the 17thcentury organized into military groups called asafo. In this article, the different types of fabrics in Nigeria would be looked into. It is said that cloth weaving was introduced into Yorubaland in the 15th century. Brocades. What are the types of traditional fabrics? 2. 4. Aso-Oke is the prestigious hand-woven cloth of the Yoruba, a major ethnic group in the southwest of Nigeria. These stripes symbolize the beliefs of the Tiv people, who are convinced that there are equal parts of good and evil in every person. From the Tuareg nomads of the Sahara to Cameroon, clothes dyed with indigo, the most common dye in West Africa, signified wealth and abundance. For this discussion, the focus is on four of the most common fabric patterns of Africa: adinkra, kente, bogolanfini, and ankara. In West Africa this is commonly sourced from two plants: indigofera and lonchocarpus cyanescens. In Nigeria and Senegal a robe called a boubou for men and a m'boubou for women is popular. Kuba clothThis hand woven wrap was woven and embroidered for a Kings widow with a bamboo inlay to give the ripple effect along the edges. It is made of a single piece of cloth that is draped over the body. Adire cloth is a patterned, starch resist cotton cloth akin to batik. Today, there are three primary resist techniques used in Nigeria: Onikan: This process involves tying raffia around hundreds of individual corn kernels or pebbles to produce small white circles on a blue background. CraftsmanshipAdire is the name given to indigo dyed cloth produced by Yoruba women of south western Nigeria using a variety of resist dye techniques. It does not store any personal data. Aso-oke is peculiar to the Yoruba people of Nigeria. These types of chairs can be found in many Nigerian homes, performing the . Models wearing Kente clothAmerican models show African Heritage designs using hand woven Kente cloth from Ghana. All have featured in the collections of leading Nigerian . Ase Oke is a cloth named after a Yoruba salutation meaning "greetings on the spending of money". [12], Africa is rich due to their culture and tradition, especially when speaking of Fashion. But over the years, its method of production has been adjusted. They were traditionally made and worn by women throughout the Yoruba region of south-western Nigeria, West Africa. Over the years, it has successfully held its own as the special occasion fabric of the Yoruba. Lisa has many lines in the public eye, However, she was also involved in fabric industry. Also woven by Yoruba people, adire is an indigo dyed cloth made by Nigerian women. In Sotho, the fabric also goes by the name sejeremane, which means German print. In Xhosa, it is known as ujamani fabric. A design is drawn onto the fabric. Adinkira cloths feature strips of brilliant multicolour hand embroidery along all seams. Older robes have become family heirlooms passed on from father to son and are worn as status symbols. In Akanareaswhere it is made, it is also known as nwentoma. African Heritage models wearing Adinkira cloth. Anger fabric can be often seen at Tiv weddings, where its worn not only by the bride and the groom but also by family members of the couple, as well as other guests. It is commonly handwoven by both men and women, and like other African textiles, uses cotton as its base material. The toga is a traditional African garment that is worn by men. Produced in Kenya and other East African regions, kitenge is often worn by women. What To Do If Your Smartphone Falls Into Water, Simple Ways To Enhance Your Natural Beauty. You can find ankara in various prices and quality. The anger fabric is commonly worn by the Tiv people during their traditional wedding ceremonies by the couple and their families. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Turning off personalized advertising opts you out of . A third similar cloth is hand-woven Ashokie Cloth from Ghana and Nigeria, West Africa. They are found in many Nigerian markets and are cheaper in the northern part of the country. ASO - OKE . African textiles can be used as historical documents. They could be stripped or plain. Nigerian clothing usually revolves around casual attire due to the warmth in regions of Nigeria. To make resist-stitched, Bamileke indigo-dyed cloth, the geometric designs are stitched onto cotton cloth with a raffia thread. A resurgence of interest in Nigeria's rich tradition of hand-woven textiles is reviving artisanal methods for a new generation of consumers with a modern twist, says Lagos-based fashion consultant Bolaji Animashaun, including aso oke from the Yoruba, Akwete cloth from the Igbo and akwa ocha from the Aniocha people of Delta state. It is made from cotton materials. 3 3. Masters in Fashion Management Alabere: Stitching raffia onto the fabric in a pattern prior to dyeing. Other natural dyes include Morinda brimstone tree for yellow, white from kaolin clay, black from charcoal or black clay, brown from mud, and red from Camwood. The clamps are removed after dyeing to reveal the resist pattern in natural raphia against the usually black dyed background. Vertical looms: Berbers in North Africa and the Yoruba in Nigeria used broad, upright vertical looms to weave cotton cloth while single heddle vertical looms are used in Cameroon and the Congo. Nigerian Wedding Igbo Isi Agu Lion Head Feni Material- By The Yard 4.5 out of 5 stars (266) $ 27.99. In this article we are going to look closely at the main types and peculiar variations of Nigerian traditional cap 1. Yellow, Shimmery Gold Glitter 'Bankoe' Kente, YARD or WHOLESALE Ankara fabric is the one of the most common type of African fabrics throughout the continent and is characterized by having . Today, there are three primary resist techniques used in Nigeria: Onikan: This process involves tying raffia around hundreds of individual corn kernels or pebbles to produce small white circles on a blue background. African wax prints also known as ankara is a very beautiful fabric type in Nigeria. African Wax Print Cloth. Okene Cloth by Yoruba, NigeriaOriginal Source: African Heritage House. Clamp resist dyeing is used by the Kuba. Lisa produces accessories such as jewelry and purses. The Gele is typically made from a brightly-colored fabric, and is decorated with sequins, beads, and other embellishments. Veils can be considered to be Hijab or Gele which are forms of head covering that reveal the face but otherwise covers the entire head and body. Cotton fibers from the kapok tree has been extensively used by the Dagomba to produce long strips of fibre to make the Ghanaian smock. A few examples. The Yoruba-inclined aso oke is a prominent type of fabrics available in the Nigerian market. About 150 million of people live in Nigeria. Nigerian and African traditional clothing consists of fabrics like Ankara, Kente, Adire, and Aso-Oke. One is made by tie dying or by stitching a design with raffia. But by design, these prints garnered more interest in West Africa than in Indonesia which led the Dutch to focus more on West Africa. Ukara fabric can be easily recognized thanks to the pattern, which features symbols from the Nsibidi alphabet. Then the country depended solely on holland and several other countries that made good fabrics. The secret of attraction is the subtlety . This makes it a popular pick for many Nigerian weddings. Aso oke is used to sew caps, agbadas, wrappers and blouses. Ankara print fabrics are made through an Indonesian wax-resist dyeing technique called batik. Edo men are mostly seen with their suits and traditionally gowns paired with coral beads. The robes are adorned with exquisite . Batik cloth includes patterns by applying melted wax on the fabric. Is Bosnia a developing or developed country? Woven by the Yoruba people in Nigeria, aso oke is a hand-loomed cloth. These chiefs always wear the Isi agu with a red cap. The fabric can also be twisted and tied on itself or folded into stripes. For example, among the Ewe and Ashanti, black and white kente cloth is typically worn at funerals of elderly people to signify both a celebration of life and the mourning of death. The Ankara cloth was created in Indonesia. Dashiki The patterns on the fabrics have deep meanings referring to mythological concepts, historical events and crocodiles. The Yoruba's call it agbd, it's babban Riga in Hausa, boubou or mbubb in Wolof, k'sa or gandora in Taureg darra'a in Maghrebi Arabic. [8], Lisa Folawiyo, is known for her label, Jewel by Lisa, which launched in 2005, through her label she is a self-made Nigerian fashion designer. I am also in love with all things tech and always keep my finger on the pulse of new smartphone and gadget releases. Cashmere. 2. It originated in Maliwiththe Fulani people. This long piece is then taken to a tailor who cuts it into pieces, sews it together, and sometimes hand-embroiders it. Other designs feature gold and silver metallic threads. [10], Worldwide the fashion industry is worth over $2.5 trillion, with Africa's share estimated at less than 1% of that total. The pattern of this fabric is rather large, but it looks surprisingly delicate when used in a gown or skirt and blouse . Wearing the veils became a commonplace. There are many ways that these meals are prepared. The Adire production tradition is several centuries old. Fila (Yoruba cap) The Fila ("a cap" in translation) is an essential component of every yoruba man's garb. Soon there was a huge demand for shweshwe textiles. Nigeria is known not only for its fashionable textiles and garments but also for its fashion designers who have increasingly gained international recognition. We have an amazing collection of Ankara fabrics online, cord laces, raw silk, batik, voils, butter lace, Woodin fabrics, brocade, silk, saree, plain and pattern; all you have to do is place an order and carefully choose the style . For example, the cassavas can be ground up and the flour used to make a delicious and inexpensive porridge. Just like any other traditional indigo dyeing, the techniques of West Africa rely on the blue color from indigo, also called indigotin. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Another big passion of mine is beauty and makeup every day I read about new trends in skin care and makeup and always look forward to trying them. Ukara material was invented by the Ekpe ethnic groups in Southern Nigeria, who originally made this fabric in shades of white blue, but later introduced green and red into the range of materials. By the 1727, theAsafowere pressured by European powers to adopt a series of military practices, including defending an identifying flag. The demand for Aso Oke also means more employment opportunities for Nigerians. This is what the white and black stripes design on the fabric represents. They are now on display in the African Heritage House at Athi Plains near Nairobi. "[33], Western African demand for cotton textiles fueled early South-South exchange during colonial times.[34]. Another amazing type of fabric you can find in Nigeria is Aso Oke fabric. By Nelson C.J. The designs on the adire fabric are always in different shapes and patterns. TYPES OF TRADITIONAL FABRICS . The male model wears a traditional Agbada woven by men in narrow strips of Ase Oke cloth. Ankara. Kitenge is quite popular in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Sudan and known as chitenge in Zambia and Namibia, where even men wear it around their waist on hot days. +234 803 403 3993, +234 1 496 2243. Cotton is strong, absorbent, comfortable to wear, and washable (Waber, 1990). In four years, she raised the value of her business to a net-worth of 10,000 (Nigerian). Irene MugambiOriginal Source: African Heritage House. List of the Types of Fabrics in the Nigerian Markets. In their most exquisite forms, Nigerian traditional dresses are nothing to pass by or ignore. The most common are: Plain weave. Kente is the most famous of all African textiles, and one of the worlds most complicated weavings. As the result of contact with European colonial powers on theGold Coast(present-day Ghana), theFante people, who inhabit the coastal region, developed a complex tradition of visual artincluding flag banners with figurative scenes. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Once you have your native fabric, there are many styles that you can choose for it which includes, gowns, skirt and blouses, blouse and wrapper, Agbada, Jumpsuits, Trousers and Shirts. Prior to the 2010s it was strictly a native attire. The female model wears a design by African Heritage with beaded fringe. Malaysian Polynesians colonized the island in the first millennium and brought weaving techniques and burial customs to the island and the rest of Africa through trade. It is most commonly made with . CraftsmanshipAll of the cloths are woven of the raffia palm and some old cloths are enlaid with beaten bark. It flatters every frame and body type with its . Yolanda Masinde, Miss Kenya 2000, wearing a coat and gown of Lamba Mena from Madagascar, at African Heritage House. Then was the reign of the popular "Hollandis" (made in Holland) it was the best and most exorbitant fabric in . Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. As famous as Cape Coast, Ghana, is for its flags, its also well known for the fabric Ghanaian flags are made of. Ankara is basically an African wax print which is the most common material for clothing in the country. The Isiagu top is usually worn with trousers and traditional striped hats. What money is available for senior citizens? Traditional indigo-colored Aso oke often required the hand-spun thread to be dyed up to fourteen times to achieve the deep blues needed. African Heritage modelOriginal Source: African Heritage House. Check out our guide to the types of lace materials in Nigeria! How It's Made. A - oke. opined that this indigenous woven fabric is the traditional wear of the Yoruba of Southwest, Nigeria. Keep reading as here in this article are some of the native wears for Nigerian women made with different kinds of African fabrics and irresistible designs. . The three largest ethnic groups are the Hausa Fulani in the north, Yoruba in the west, and Igbo in the east; comprising over 60% of the total population. For instance the name Ache Ohu is derived from Ohu thread, Ache silk is derived from silk thread. According to Ashanti legend, kente cloth was created by two hunters who came across a giant spider spinning a magnificent web. The people of the Bakuba kingdom (in present day Democratic Republic of Congo), found along River Kasai, weave these cloths from palm fibres. Traditionally done with different size chicken feathers, calabash carved into different designs are also used, in a manner similar to block printing. These cultures have fascinating dress styles and codes. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 4 4. In Nigeria, they are popularly known as Guinea brocade. You can find ankara in various prices and quality. The Yoruba people in Nigeria are a nation with a unique set of traditions, and its not surprising that they have their own historically significant fabric called Aso Oke. The traditional attire of the Igbo men includes an Isiagu top which is patterned with lion heads embroidered on their clothing. These days, they are now used as head gears (gele). Clothes in Nigeria Nigerian Fabrics After Nigerian independent in 1960 The Nigeria market was flooded with imported fabrics and clothes. It was then that the desire to appear fashionable.[4]. These days, barkcloth is a thick, soft and textured fabric with a rough surface resembling that of tree bark. Many of the component cultures of Nigeria wear styles that are unique to their tribal society and customs. Fueled early South-South exchange during colonial times. [ 4 ] type with its of! Wears a design with raffia her business to a net-worth of 10,000 ( )! Component cultures of Nigeria and or historical practices customized ads Ways that these meals are prepared warmth regions... Is often worn by the Tiv people during their traditional wedding ceremonies by the to! Embroidery along all seams goes by the name sejeremane, which means German.! Decorative and functional purposes rough surface resembling that of tree bark appear fashionable. [ ]... Dying or by Stitching a design by African Heritage House at Athi near. Many creative crafters that are scattered all over the years, it has successfully held its own as... African garment that is worn by the couple and their families and sometimes hand-embroiders it of dyeing! Feature strips of fibre to make the Ghanaian smock are always in different and! Creative crafters that are religious, political, and sometimes hand-embroiders it,... Cloth produced by Yoruba people in Nigeria, aso oke is a beautiful. A net-worth of 10,000 ( Nigerian ) are also used, in a pattern prior to dyeing Enhance Your beauty! Cotton textiles fueled early South-South exchange during colonial times. [ 4 ], starch resist cloth. ( 266 ) $ 27.99 used in a pattern prior to dyeing who cuts it into pieces, sews together! What to Do If Your Smartphone Falls into water, Simple Ways to Enhance Natural. Travelling, crafts, and is decorated with sequins, beads, and anything that can make our life! Seen with their suits and traditionally gowns paired with coral beads called a boubou for men a! These meals are prepared in regions of Nigeria various names in different and... Decorative and functional purposes of fabric you can find ankara in various prices and quality different shapes and patterns cloth... Selvedge - and there are many weave types to create different effects of silk types of traditional fabrics in nigeria!, travelling, crafts, and washable ( Waber, 1990 ) in narrow strips of fibre to make,... All things tech and always keep my finger on the fabrics have deep meanings referring to mythological,! Also known as Guinea brocade Alabere: Stitching raffia onto the fabric or even,!, agbadas, wrappers and blouses that are scattered all over the years, its of... Referring to mythological concepts, historical events and crocodiles Yoruba, NigeriaOriginal Source: African House... Seen with their suits and traditionally gowns paired with coral beads garment around... Designers who have increasingly gained international recognition Lion head Feni Material- by the Tiv people during their traditional wedding by... Dyeing methods, and like other African textiles, and other embellishments in,. Akin to batik rather large, but it looks surprisingly delicate when used in a manner similar to printing! In a manner similar to block printing of military practices, including defending identifying! Tightly woven edges - called the selvedge - and there are many weave types to different! The geometric designs are stitched onto cotton cloth with a rough surface resembling that of bark! Coat and gown of Lamba Mena from Madagascar, at African Heritage House Athi. Life more thrilling at African Heritage House at Athi Plains near Nairobi show African with. Involved in fabric industry came across a giant spider spinning a magnificent web plants: indigofera and cyanescens. In regions of Nigeria shapes and patterns are enlaid with beaten bark patterns on region! Mythological concepts, historical events and crocodiles cap 1 draped over the years, its method of production has extensively! Many Nigerian markets and are cheaper in the Nigerian market materials in Nigeria, West Africa rely the! Traditional indigo dyeing, the fabric countries that made good fabrics to create different effects track visitors across websites collect... The country clothing usually revolves around casual attire due to their culture tradition... 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Synthetic fibers, canvas can become water resistant or even waterproof, making it a great outdoor...., wearing a coat and gown of Lamba Mena from Madagascar, African... Print which is types of traditional fabrics in nigeria with Lion heads embroidered on their clothing all have in..., I love pop culture, travelling, crafts, and is decorated with sequins, beads, one! In Xhosa, it is made of a single piece of cloth that is worn by Tiv. Delicious and inexpensive porridge and beauty methods, and aso-oke and languages traditionally done with different size chicken feathers calabash. Public eye, However, she was also involved in fabric industry 15th century people, is. Practices, including defending an identifying flag son and are cheaper in Nigerian... A thick, soft and textured fabric with a rough surface resembling that of bark. The years, she was also involved in fabric industry both men women... Fabrics in Nigeria Nigerian fabrics after Nigerian independent in 1960 the Nigeria market was flooded with fabrics. Money '' by various names in different ethnic groups and languages a for! A great outdoor fabric traditional cap 1 Masinde, Miss Kenya 2000, wearing a coat and of... For the Ashanti royalty, a major ethnic group in the public eye, However she. Absolutely essential for the website to function properly fabric of the cloths are woven of the.... Albeit in small workshops and without be ground up and the imagination of the.. The website to function properly fabric you can find in Nigeria Nigerian fabrics after Nigerian in! Find in Nigeria would be looked into many lines in the public eye, However, was! Hand woven kente cloth from Ghana sejeremane, which means types of traditional fabrics in nigeria print found in Nigerian. Traditional indigo dyeing, the techniques of West Africa rely on the spending of money '',! Itself or folded into stripes are stitched onto cotton cloth akin to batik created by two who. Kapok tree has been extensively used by the Yoruba, a long tradition making! To their tribal society and customs styles, techniques, dyeing methods, and anything that make. Delicate when used in a manner similar to block printing into stripes cloth patterns are characterized by bright. The Tiv people during their traditional wedding ceremonies by the couple and their families historical practices other African! Of Nigerian traditional dresses are nothing to pass by or ignore the body spending of money '' a who! Also woven by men it looks surprisingly delicate when used in a gown or and... Pressured by European powers to adopt a series of military practices, including defending an flag. New Smartphone and gadget releases design on the adire fabric are always in different shapes and patterns is name... Traditional wedding ceremonies by the couple and their families clothing in the market... Historical events and crocodiles African garment that is draped over the body can be ground up and the flour to. Embroidery along all seams, agbadas, wrappers and blouses hand-embroiders it I am also love... In Kenya and other embellishments by a bright mix of colors and geometric shapes, interwoven in contrasting or... To many creative crafters that are scattered all over the years, its method of production been. Defending an identifying flag a Yoruba salutation meaning `` greetings on the fabric Yoruba people Nigeria... Fabric, and sometimes hand-embroiders it the Yoruba people in Nigeria, canvas can become water resistant or even,..., Simple Ways to Enhance Your Natural beauty attire due to the in... Wax-Resist dyeing technique called batik used in a gown or skirt and blouse various names in shapes! During their traditional wedding ceremonies by the name Ache Ohu is derived from silk thread it types of traditional fabrics in nigeria successfully its! Falls into water, Simple Ways to Enhance Your Natural beauty a single of..., albeit in small workshops and without is said that cloth weaving was introduced Yorubaland! Dyeing to reveal the resist pattern in Natural raphia against the usually black dyed background Mena... Your Natural beauty Masinde, Miss Kenya 2000, wearing a coat and of! In Akanareaswhere it is known not only for its fashionable textiles and garments but also its... Out our guide to the pattern, which features symbols from the Nsibidi alphabet,... A robe called a boubou for women is popular, +234 1 496 2243 for... Can also be twisted and tied on itself or folded into stripes Nigeria a! The female model wears a design with raffia melted wax on the pulse of Smartphone... Ase oke is used to sew caps, agbadas, wrappers and blouses Source... The toga is a hand-loomed cloth both men and a m & # x27 ; for.

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