Aso-Oke also called Ofi is a type of hand-made fabric usually done by weaving and this art of weaving and styling of this particular fabric material originated from the Yorubas (South-western people of Nigeria). It is a cloth worn by people of high social status in the olden days and even this era as well, because this cloth promotes the beautiful culture and heritage of the Yorubas.
Ofi is beautifully patterned and designed while weaving the material from coloured strands of fabrics, after which materials made are joined together to form a larger Material, the method of weaving this aso oke still remains the same, however, there are now many modifications and improvement on this which has left improvement on the quality of clothes produced. Many of these patterns, designs and chosen colours are always associated with meanings and specificity, i.e some colours are meant for women, some are specially designed for the production of caps, some are well designed for making Sokoto (trousers) and so on. Aso oke can be used in different styles such as Dansiki, Agbada, Buba and soro, buba and iro to mention a few.
There are different types of Aso oke and they include; Etu (Stripped Dark Blue), Sanyan (carton brown with white stripes), Alaari (crimson), Eya (Laced), Takunsi (cloth with different pattern), Popo Elepo, Alaagba, Lace, Check, Damask, Plain & Pattern, Prints, Kente-oke, Big & small loom, Silk, Cotton, Net, Metallic, Takunsi, Painting, Monogramming, Big loom, Net lace, Net design, Ordinary lace, Double weaving, Super net, Wire to wire. These clothes are worn to different to occasions such as Naming, weddings, coronations, initiations to mention a few and these clothes are still worn up till date.
To learn more about Aso oke visit https://asooke.com.ng/www2/asooke.html
Learn more about Yoruba language and culture on https://alawiiyeyoruba.com/learn-yoruba/