Tracing the Roots Of Aso-Oke: A Glimpse Into Yoruba Heritage 

Aṣọ-Oke, the treasured handwoven fabric of the Yoruba people, dates as far back as the 15th century and is believed to have originated in Iseyin, located in present-day Oyo State.

In the past, this fabric was mainly worn during important events like weddings and traditional ceremonies. Making Aṣọ-Oke is a slow and careful process that requires a lot of skill and patience. If an error occurs while weaving, the maker often has to undo their work and begin again from scratch.

Back then, Aṣọ-Oke was worn regularly—both for everyday wear and during special occasions. It was often used as Aṣọ Ẹbí, a shared outfit worn by family or friends during celebrations.
However, when colonial powers introduced policies that supported the use of textiles imported from Britain, local fabrics like Aṣọ-Oke began to lose their place in daily fashion.

This shift led to the rise in popularity of Ankara and more recently, lace fabrics, especially for Aṣọ Ẹbí among guests.

Today, Aṣọ-Oke has become more adaptable and is now made in various colors, styles, and patterns. It is often reserved for the bride or main celebrant, while guests commonly wear lace.

Interestingly, there’s a growing trend where bridesmaids are beginning to wear Aṣọ-Oke again, bringing back the elegance of this timeless fabric.