Indigo Cloths

Adire cloth - hand-drawn

A very large, unusual and rare example of hand-drawn Adire cloth.

Since the 1800s the Yoruba women of south west Nigeria have used various techniques to apply design and pattern to their hand-dyed indigo cloths - often worn as a wrapper.

For this cloth, the artist has used various tools to apply a starch resist paste before dip dyeing the whole cloth in indigo.

What makes this cloth so unusual?

The base material is a factory printed cloth bearing a Yoruba slogan or message. Translation: Vote for joy.

100% cotton. Nigeria, circa 1970.

• A distinctive, decorative wallhanging
• Great as a table cloth or throw
• Possible furnishing fabric or cushion cover

Though this cloth is about 50 years old, it is in excellent condtion.

Approximate size: 160 x 203 cm / 62 x 79 inches

Approximate size: 160 x 203 cm / 62 x 79 inches

Hand-draw Adire cloth: detail