Which Nigerian textile technique uses resist dyeing to create patterns?

Answer Details

The Nigerian textile technique that uses resist dyeing to create patterns is tie-dye, known in Yoruba culture as adire. In tie-dye, fabric is physically manipulated - by tying, folding, twisting, stitching, or clamping sections of cloth - before it is immersed in dye. The tied or bound areas resist the penetration of the dye, so when the ties are removed after dyeing, the fabric reveals patterns created by the contrast between dyed and undyed areas.

The Yoruba adire tradition is one of the most celebrated forms of tie-dye in West Africa. Historically, indigo was the primary dye used, producing the distinctive deep blue and white patterns. Variations include adire oniko (tied resist), adire alabere (stitched resist), and adire eleko (starch paste resist). These techniques have been practised for centuries and remain an important part of Nigerian textile heritage.

Uli is a body and wall painting tradition of the Igbo people, not a textile technique. Aso-Oke is a Yoruba handwoven cloth produced on a loom, which is a weaving technique rather than a dyeing technique. Embroidery involves decorating fabric with needle and thread, not resist dyeing.