Aso oke fabric, (Yoruba: așǫ oke, pronounced ah-SHAW-okay) is a hand-woven cloth created by the Yoruba people of West Africa. Aso oke means “top cloth” in the English language, denoting cloth of high status.
The Aso oke fabric is used to make men’s gowns, called agbada and cap, called fila, as well as women’s wrappers, called Iro and head tie, called Gele.
Gele with Aso oke Fabric
Women who truly adore gele head ties are aware that aso oke fabrics are the greatest option when looking for materials to produce gèlè head gear because their colors are so vivid and their textures are so lovely that they can take on any shape you chose to give them.
Fila with Aso oke Fabric
The men Fila on the other hand are also more prestigious when they are made with aso oke fabric. The aso oké fabric can be used to make all kind of Yoruba traditional native caps like the gobi, abeti àjà or the cupi and the are the three most popular Yoruba men traditional caps
Aso oke is from the Yoruba culture in Kwara, Kogi, Ondo, Oyo, Ogun, Ekiti, Lagos, and Osun States in western Nigeria and Ajase in the southeastern Benin Republic.
This woven fabric is worn majorly to weddings, burials, anniversaries, and any occasion of importance to the Yoruba people. The fabric gives a royalty touch to the wearer, making the individual stand out. There are different types of Aso-oke, we will explore the different types in other posts.
Aso oke cloth are so tough they can last for up to 10years or more. It has a long life span and can be made into other things after years of keeping it. However, when you do get your Aso-oke, ensure it is well woven and made of the right material.
