By Christy Anyanwu
Not much is known about Aso Oke, a unique fabric that is indigenous to Africa. One reason is that books on African textiles are rare. So when the Lagos State First Lady, Dr (Mrs) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu suggested that Ade Bakare should write a book on Aso Oke he quickly took up the challenge and started his research.
Bakare who is well known in the fashion industry said studying history has always made him approach his creative work in fashion from a historical point of view and that was how he delved into the origins of Aso Oke.
The quest took him to Iseyin, Oyo State, where Aso Oke originated.
”Iseyin is the origin of the textile in Nigeria but other places have become known and have their own unique patterns. You have places like Ondo, Ilorin and Okene.
My research also took me to Oje market in Ibadan, where I spoke to Iyaloja, who gave me lots of valuable information.
“The Iyaloja told me that one of the major sad developments is the influx of cheaper alternatives that are flooding the markets from abroad. She said the Asians used to patronise them but they found out they were buying to copy and replicate. However, their versions of Aso Oke are not properly made and tear up quickly.”
In his book, “Aso Oke, Showcasing its Nigerian Heritage”, Ade Bakare captures the origin, styles, patterns and places where Aso Oke designs have been woven over the decades. It also gives insight on future developments.