Agbada (Museum Accession Number: R6047/5)
This man’s aso-oke agbada was worn by Martin Sholagbade in his role as the Father of the Bride at a wedding in 2009. It is an example of sanyan, a classic style of aso-oke, typically worn by celebrants and close family at weddings. Aso-oke translates as ‘top cloth’ or ‘high status cloth’. It is a formal cloth that is traditionally handwoven by the men of southwestern Nigeria using a narrow strip loom. It is primarily made from silk and cotton and comes in thin strips that are then sewn together. Aso-oke remains popular with people in Nigeria and in diaspora. Collected as part of the Fashioning Africa project.
Creator: unknown
Place: Nigeria, West Africa, Africa
Date: 2009
