Yoruba Handwoven Aso Oke Textile Nigeria 78x49 Inch

We do not recommend laundering textiles, and we do not accept returns of textiles that have been laundered in any manner. Even dry cleaning is too much for some of these antique textiles. For some of them, a very gentle HAND washing (NEVER MACHINE, on any setting) in cool water with a very gentle detergent works, but even then dyes may not be colorfast and fabric may be less strong than it appears.

Aso Oke weaving is done on narrow-head looms. The fabric used is either cotton or wild silk, usually beige. The weavings are used for special occasions, including engagements, weddings, naming ceremonies for babies, chieftaincy title ceremonies, and religious holidays, both Christian and Islamic.

Supplementary weft float and brocade patterning are common, as is the distinctive openwork made by using weft threads to tie together a group of warps. Lurex from Japan, a metallic thread, is sometimes used. Men have traditionally done the weaving, but some women weave as well.