Vintage & Collectable African Textiles

Aso oke cloth

Woman's aso oke wrapper. 

Aso oke refers to a distinctive, traditional Yoruba cloth made up of narrow, handwoven strips.

Traditionally, Yoruba weavers used sanyan - a locally harvested wild silk - for these strips. Since the 1970s, less expensive cotton has become more common, often with added threads of gold lurex adding the bling factor.

The regularly spaced holes and floating weft yarns running parallel to the warp give a lace-like appearance - another unique feature of Yoruba aso oke.

Handwoven and stitched, from Yorubaland, Nigeria.

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

Though this cloth could be up to 25 years old, it is in excellent condtion.

Approximate size: 52 x 186 cm / 20 x 73 inches

Whole cloth: 52 x 186 cm

Close up: note lace-like holes and floating weft yarns, plus lurex highlight threads