two panels, sewn together and hemmed on two sides; indigo with light blue patchwork- like designs with various geometric and zoomorphic designs; two floral motif blocks at center; starch resist

Alokun, Date Unknown

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Cotton; dyedexpand_more

Gift of Richard L. Simmonsexpand_more  2008.41.26

Not on Viewexpand_more

Adire is a popular form of surface ornamentation in the Yoruba culture in which designs are created by resist-dye techniques. This is an example of adire eleko, a technique in which a paste is hand-painted onto the fabric using the quill of a feather prior to immersing the cloth in indigo; the paste is then rinsed away, revealing the design. Rather than being purely decorative, the design motifs on adire textiles are often intended to play a protective rold and have mythical significance for the Yoruba.

After the cloth dries the fabric is beaten, which presses the fabric and produces a sheen. Additional indigo paste is beaten into the cloth, subsequently rubbing off on the wearer's skin for a much appreciated beauty product.

Details
Title
Alokun
Role
Artist
Accession Number
2008.41.26
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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two panels, sewn together and hemmed on two sides; indigo with light blue patchwork- like designs with various geometric and zoomorphic designs; two floral motif blocks at center; starch resist