Aso Oke and Hand-Woven Textile (Early 1900)
Cultural heritage of nigeria
design Details
Aso Oke and Hand-Woven Textile
Yoruba People
early 1900
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Yoruba's Hand Woven Wrapper
Class: Garment (Wrapper)
Dimensions: W 52 3/4 In. x H 84 1/4 In. (134 cm x 214 cm)
Medium: Cotton and Silk
Descriptions: This textile exemplifies Yoruba handwoven strip-cloth traditions associated with àṣọ-òkè weaving. It is constructed from narrow woven strips stitched together, visible in the vertical joins across the cloth. The design features subtle horizontal banding in ivory, tan, and light brown, created through variations in warp and weft density rather than bold motifs. Minimal dark linear accents near one end provide restrained ornamentation. Woven on a narrow horizontal loom using a plain weave structure, the cloth emphasizes fine warp control, natural cotton tones, and slight irregularities that signal hand production. Its understated elegance reflects Yoruba aesthetic values of balance, refinement, and functional beauty.
(Source: The British Museum Website)
yoruba's aso oke Wrapper
Class: Cloth (Wrapper)
Medium: Cotton and Silk
Dimensions: W 44 7/8 In. x H 70 7/8 In. (114 cm x 180 cm)
Descriptions: This textile represents a richly patterned example of Yoruba àṣọ-òkè strip weaving. It is constructed from narrow loom-woven strips sewn together, forming strong horizontal bands. The design features bold magenta grounds contrasted with lighter fields containing geometric and directional motifs, including arrows and triangular forms, arranged symmetrically along the strips. These motifs are created through supplementary weft patterning integrated into a plain-weave structure. The use of saturated dyed yarns, precise repetition, and clear motif alignment demonstrates skilled control of the narrow horizontal loom. The textile balances visual dynamism with structural order, reflecting Yoruba aesthetic values of rhythm, symbolism, and technical mastery.
(Source: The British Museum Website)