Preserve Aso-Oke traditional wear, Curator urges stakeholders

The Curator, National Museum of Unity, Ibadan, Dr Amos Olorunnipa, has urged stakeholders to join the commission to preserve, promote and market Yoruba traditional wear, Aso-Oke.

Olorunnipa made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sideline of “Aso-Oke Exhibition and Trade Fair’’ organized by the museum in Ibadan on Tuesday.

The curator advised the youths to learn how to weave, sew and market the Aso-Oke and desist from waiting for white collar jobs.

According to him, farmers should also grow the cotton trees as part of agricultural pursuance.

Olorunnipa urged Oyo State Government to introduce Aso- as part of school uniforms and declare a day as Aso-Oke day, when students, workers and the public will wear Aso Ofi fabrics throughout the state.

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He emphasised that Aso-oke was the pride of Yoruba heritage, the inheritance from the past, which the people use presently and would pass from one generation to another.

“Aso-Oke fabric is one of such heritage that is a mirror of ways of lives and habits in this part of the country.

“Aso-Ofi is changed to Aso-Oke, which means “Aso Ilu-Oke’’ (clothes from the upcountry), the weaving started centuries ago among the Yoruba.

“The types of Aso-Oke are: Alaari (red in colour), Sanyan (brown) and Etu (dark blue),” he said.

He further remarked that the traditional cloth was being worn on special occasions such as during festivals, chieftaincy, engagement, naming, birthdays and other important events.

“But today the use of Aso-Oke has been expanded to include interior decorations, fashion, shoes, bags, suits and head rest among others.

“The main challenge is the competition with foreign fabrics that are being imported into the country lately.

“We organised today’s programme to showcase the pride of our heritage-Aso-Ofi to the public and to encourage its continuity,” he said.

Olorunnipa, however, appreciated the effort of the state government in promoting Aso-Ofi during the last World Tourism Day, where varieties of the native wear were celebrated.

The highlight of the event includes: launching of magazine on Aso-Oke, cultural displays, poetry presentation and presentation of awards to some citizens for contributing to the revitalisation of Aso-Oke.