Colour and patterns
Colour is the most immediately visible stylistic element. The two-colour or polychrome process depends on the number of dye baths which follow the preparation of reserves. Formerly exclusively natural, dyes today are often synthetic. The choice of colour is associated with symbolism of the colours and this aspect is equally referred to here.
Some original patterns come from reserve-dyeing processes and are revealed by playing with the colours.
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indigo
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parrot green
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red
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colour symbolism
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ochre and brown
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multicoloured
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paint highlights
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dotted spiral
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circular pattern
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figurative dotted lines
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irregular line design
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sewing on pleats
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geometric representation, sowing
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figurative
indigo
Loincloth, iro Nigeria, south-west region, Yoruba, 20th century Cotton Donation from Mr and Mrs Corlay 70.2006.18.116
Reserve-dyed cloth by sewing with raffia thread, adire alabere Tying and indigo dyeing are female activities amongst the Yoruba. The term adire widely refers to indigo dyed fabrics, whose sewn reserves make up a subset. These fabrics require meticulous and expert preparation. They are very valued, especially when indigo-vegetable dyes are used. Fabrics and clothing are associated with the Yoruba deities and play an important social role. Indigo blue is an evocation of the sky and water, and the symbol of valued human qualities. This design is made up of numerous, particularly fine patterns and is only rarely produced. 167x148 cm
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