Grounded in a myriad of rich cultures and history, African textiles are renowned for their traditional indigenous techniques, inventive patterns, and unashamed use of color. Culturally, African cloth is used to honor a person’s life, a historical event, or even a political cause and to communicate essential cultural information. It also plays a prominent role in cultural celebrations, ceremonies, and auspicious occasions. From the hand-loomed Aso oke fabric woven by the Yoruba people of southwest Nigeria to the Seshoeshoe (also known as shweshwe or isishweshwe) fabric synonymous with Southern Africa, our regional cloth guide explores an array of indigenous, sustainable, and artisanal crafting techniques. 

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