Woman's wrapper (aṣọ-òkè)

20th century

Aṣọ-òkè is a Yorùbá strip-woven cloth worn for both casual and special occasions. Narrow strips woven by men using horizontal looms are sewn together to make wrappers or other garments. This example resembles the indigo-dyed aṣọ-òkè sewn underneath many of the egúngún’s panels. The costume’s innermost layers are made from kíjìpá, a related fabric woven by women on wide, vertical looms. Aṣọ-òkè and kíjìpá were incorporated into the costume because of their varied cultural significance, and because their durable weave can withstand an egúngún’s vigorous dancing.