07/09/2015
Gone are the days when people made clothes for themselves in Africa. Animal skins were the first materials used and it’s now hard to trace African clothing since it lacks historical evidence. But people in Africa used locally available materials to make aprons to cover their ge****ls or large robe to drape around their bodies.
These days everybody loves African clothing with its bright colours and distinctive designs. It has come a long way. Families and friends benefit from using Aso-ebi in their occasions. There are different clothes for all women, men and children. A number of them are designed to be worn for special occasions like Aso-ebi clothing. There is something to know about this type of attire and why it is significant. Let’s find out!
Aso-Ebi
Aso-ebi is the oldest and most valuable type of Africa attire. In Nigeria, Aso-ebi is a Yoruba phrase meaning “uniformed solidarity dress.” It is famous clothing in Nigeria which has an obvious origin in the Yoruba culture. It is one of the cultural traditions that has forced its ways into the corporate and enlightened world. It originally refers to matching fabrics worn by family members during ceremonies and social events in Nigeria where there is dancing, singing, storytelling and many others. They are very popular in many African countries and most Africans such as dancers require them while entertaining.
Aso-ebi is a Yoruba phrase and the Yoruba people lives in the coastal regions of south western Nigeria. Currently, everybody in Nigeria knows the meaning of the term ‘Aso-ebi’ regardless of their ethnicity. The Yoruba ethnic group is changing gradually to become an integral part of Nigerian culture with Aso-ebi evolving as a cultural practice as family members and friends use the same fabric to produce the attire for ease of identification.
Today there are so many aso-ebi wearers across all African countries. Despite the fact that there is modernisation, aso-ebi is among the cultural tradition that has endured regardless with the development of the Yoruba people in Nigeria. The extent to which it is diverse is beyond our imagination. During the ceremonies, the wearers range from family members to neighbours. They range from former schoolmates to present to colleagues at work or even former colleagues at work and even the people who have never met the celebrant. There is no other item in the culture of Nigeria that is as much important as the subject of Aso-ebi.
One of the many reasons behind the use of Aso-ebi is, it is believed that it is the only way they can use in portraying their support and solidarity to their celebrant. Taking part to purchase a selected Aso-ebi fabric and attending the occasion in the Aso-ebi attire is the only way through which they can assure a celebrant an unflinching support. It gives a sense of belonging during the occasion where it is used. It is also worn to welcome dignitaries and government officials, and also, it can help people to have the latest fabrics and update their wardrobes.
But we should always be prepared for some consequences of indulging in Aso-ebi. For instance, failure to pay for Aso-ebi due to the limited budget and other challenges can cause worries which may break the relationships. Sometimes it is seen as an exploitation mission due to the contributions made to buy Aso-ebi in this economic restrain. Huge profits are made from these contributions for entertainment while there are poor meals due to the strained budgets. But this trend can be shunned to avoid abusing the African culture.
Aso-ebi is among the African clothing which has come a long way and it one of the most powerful elements in the African culture. They are designed to suit various occasions, not just in Africa but around the world. Weddings are the major events to use Aso-ebi but they can also be used in any function, either general or official.
