Adire Fabric

Adire is not a single uniform practice. It is a resist-dye textile tradition developed primarily by the Yorùbá people, with distinct techniques, regional identities, and symbolic languages embedded within its patterns.

The most recognised centres of Adire production include Abeokuta (widely regarded as the historic and cultural heart of Adire), along with Ibadan, Osogbo, and Lagos, where the practice has evolved through both traditional and contemporary interpretations.

Within Adire, there are key technical variations:

• Adire Oníko (tie-dye using raffia bindings)

• Adire Alábéré (stitched resist)

• Adire Eleko (cassava paste resist, allowing for more detailed, illustrative designs)

Historically, Adire particularly from Abeokuta was closely associated with women-led production and trade, forming a significant part of local economies and social identity.