Founders' Collection

Adire eleko cloth

Since the 1800s the Yoruba women of south west Nigeria have used various techniques to apply design and pattern to their hand-dyed indigo cloths - often worn as a wrapper.

For this cloth, the artist has used a stencil - sometimes cut from a metal tea chest lining or from recycled x-ray film - to apply a starch resist paste before dip dyeing the whole cloth in indigo. This starch resist technique is called Adire eleko.

Historically, references and symbols of royalty have been very popular.

100% cotton, dressmaking weight. Nigeria.

• A distinctive, decorative wallhanging
• Great as a table cloth
• Possible furnishing fabric or cushion cover

Though this cloth is about 20 years old, it is in excellent condtion.

Approximate size: 79 x 192 cm / 31 x 75 inches

Approximate size: 79 x 192 cm / 31 x 75 inches

Adire eleko cloth: detail