The Weavers of Iseyin

Aṣọ-òfì does more than exist as a treasured Yoruba fabric and a commodity in Iseyin, its original home. It reflects a societal fabric interwoven with the changing cultural values, social norms, religious beliefs, education and economic systems of the Iseyin community.

Written by Foyin Ejilola

Nov 24, 2024

PHOTOGRAPHY: TEMILOLUWA JOHNSON / THE REPUBLIC.

The heartbeat of Iseyin, one of Oyo State’s largest towns, is aṣọ-òfì, the distinguished handwoven fabric of the Yoruba people. Without reference to it as home to the textile, the description of the town is considered wanting. The presence of wooden looms (òfì) in almost every direction one turns—on entering Iseyin and venturing into the innermost part of it—confirms this claim.

Iseyin’s prominence in Yoruba history is closely tied to its production and exportation of aṣọ-ofì, which conveys cultural symbolism and significance. A Yoruba proverb, ‘sányán ni baba aṣọ, àlàárì ni baba ẹ̀wù,’ which means that sányán and àlàárì—two of the numerous kinds of aṣọ-òfì—are the most supreme of all clothes, indicates that the textile existed at the apex of clothes Yoruba people traditionally wore as status symbols.

Aṣọ-òfì is still reserved for special occasions, as it embodies a prestige that envelops its wearer in eminence; the aṣọ-òfì a measure of their social standing at events. It is an identity marker and, thus, a preferred choice for Yoruba hosts in helping them stand out or be at the centre of attention at their parties. Arguments like how no one can outshine a Yoruba bride clad in aṣọ-òfì (also known as aṣọ-òkè) and the colourful display of the aṣọ-òfì attires donned on by various rẹgbẹ́rẹgbẹ́ at the annual Ojude Oba festival in Ogun State are testaments to the textile’s acclaim.

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About the Author

Foyin Ejilola

is a writer and journalist currently living in Ibadan.

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The Weavers of Iseyin