Adire in Osogbo Nigeria: It's Uniqueness, Technology and Significance

Abstract

Adire is simply the Yoruba meaning for "to tie” and "to dye” and it remains inseparable from the dressing and lifestyle of the people of Osogbo in Southwest Nigeria. This study, an ethnographic study based on field research analysed Adire in Osogbo land and it examined the technology of Adire Osogbo focusing on the materials and specific methods involved in the production process; this was with the aim of unfolding the uniqueness of Adire Osogbo in Nigeria. The findings from the study revealed that Adire in Osogbo are of various types and that a significant period of innovation was the introduction of "Adire Alabela” in the early 60s which took Adire Osogbo to another dimension. There exists a positive relationship between Indigo and Adire production in Osogbo as there is no Adire without dye. The study concludes that Adire Osogbo is indeed unique among other centers in Nigeria.