From Loom to Luxury: Transforming Aso-Oke into High-Value Fashion Accessories (Published)
Aso-oke is one of the most important traditional textiles of the Yoruba people, serving as a symbol of cultural identity, social status, and important life events. Over time, it has grown from a locally valued ceremonial fabric into a widely recognized representation of Yoruba heritage. The textile is traditionally produced using two weaving methods: the vertical broad loom, commonly operated by women, and the horizontal narrow-strip loom, typically used by men. Despite its cultural significance, Aso-oke production faces challenges such as fluctuating raw material costs, inconsistent thread quality, poor colourfastness, and irregular yarn supply, forcing many weavers to rely on whatever materials are available. Expanding the use of Aso-oke into high-value fashion accessories such as bags and footwear creates opportunities beyond traditional weaving, including design, finishing, quality control, marketing, and distribution. This diversification can improve artisans’ incomes, strengthen creative expression, and increase the global appeal and commercial value of this iconic Yoruba textile.
Keywords: Aso oke, Indigenous, acccessories, colourfastness, handwoven, loom
Acceptability of Aso Oke as work and casual wear among Tertiary institution female staff in Damaturu, Yobe State, Nigeria. (Published)
The purpose of this study was to investigate the acceptability of Aso-Oke for casual and work wear clothes among tertiary institution female staff in Damaturu, Yobe State, Nigeria. Three different types of Aso-Oke; etu, alaari and sanyan were purchased in Oja-Oba market in Ilorin, Kwara State. Three types of garment design were produced from fabrics; gown, skirt suit and straight line skirt. Structured questionnaires were used as instruments for data collection. Most respondents are also aware of the different types of fabrics, but the majority complains that they did not drape well on the body, though they agreed that if it is well designed, it can be used both as casual and work wear. The bulk of the respondents asserted that the majority of fashion designers did not know how to sew fabrics. Hence, they need more training in the methodology of sewing the fabrics, especially the joining of the strip fabrics and the cutting to prevent fraying. It is recommended that people should be encouraged to set up the weaving shed of Aso Oke in Damaturu or any part of the north east. It will help to diversify culture and serve as a means of livelihood.
Keywords: Aso oke, Culture, Livelihood, garment design, sewing.
Promoting the beauty of Yoruba traditional fabric of Aso- Oke for international consumption and sustainable development (Published)
Yoruba people are predominantly found in southwestern and north central Nigeria, some part of Benin republic and Togo. The Aso-Oke weaving was introduced into Yoruba land in the 15th century, and since then it has been part of the culture till date with different modification over time. This paper examines how this fabric can be promoted to gain acceptance for international consumptions which will helps develops the local crafts industry as this leads to employment opportunities, increase in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and a veritable source of foreign exchange for Nigeria. The paper provides an insight into the local production technique of the fabric, the types of fabrics and other wares that can be made from the fabrics, sewing methods and types of garment that can be produced for export and possible export channels for international market.
Keywords: Aso oke, Employment, Sustainable Development, fabrics, local craft, sewing and market.