Asa Oke Wrapper and Individual Strip c. 20th century

This is an Asa Oke wrapper with an individual strip made by the Yoruba people. These textiles are not simply pieces of cloth; they are powerful emblems of identity, status, and cultural continuity. Historically, weaving among the Yoruba has been a craft deeply intertwined with gender roles. Men typically weave the cloth, while women are responsible for spinning the cotton. This division of labor highlights how gender shapes the artistic process and the final product. This particular wrapper would have been worn by women. The wrapper is not just clothing, it is a statement. The geometric patterns woven into the fabric are not accidental, they carry symbolic meaning. This artform balances tradition and innovation, preserving ancestral techniques while allowing for the expression of individual artistry. Textiles such as this embody the dynamic interplay between cultural heritage, personal expression, and social identity.