Adire

Adire is a Yoruba textile tradition from southwestern Nigeria, distinguished by indigo-dyed cloth decorated with resist-dye patterns. The craft developed among Yoruba communities, with Abeokuta and nearby towns becoming important centers from the 19th century onward, and it has long been tied to local economies and cultural expression. Traditionally produced by women, adire fabrics were used for everyday wear as well as ceremonial attire and special occasions, and the practice has shaped regional textile identities.

Adire encompasses several resist-dye techniques. The most widely known are paste-resist methods, such as eleko, where a cassava paste or starch is applied to the cloth in motifs to block dye, creating white or lighter patterns on a blue indigo field. Stitch-resist, or oniko, is another common method in which needlework or stitched pleats prevent dye from penetrating the fabric, resulting in raised lines and textured patterns. Tie-dye-inspired approaches, involving binding and tying sections of fabric before dyeing, are also part of the adire family. Traditionally, indigo was derived from natural plant sources, though modern practice often uses synthetic indigo.

Motifs in adire range from geometric grids and stripes to more complex geometric and symbolic patterns. Patterns can convey social status, age, or group affiliation, and many designs carry cultural meanings or proverbs. Adire fabrics are used for everyday clothing, wedding and ceremonial wear, and as heirloom or decorative textiles. In the contemporary era, adire has experienced renewed interest and adaptation in Nigeria and globally, influencing fashion, art, and textile research while continuing to be produced in workshops and small-scale studios.

Overall, adire remains a vital expression of Yoruba heritage, blending traditional techniques with evolving aesthetic forms.