Aṣọ-Òkè: The Cloth We Inherit

Akinola Lasekan's 1957 oil portrait of Chief Justus D. Akeredolu in a red striped aṣọ-òkè agbada, patterned fila cap and coral beads

I am standing before a portrait in Nigerian Modernism, the survey at Tate Modern. It is Akinola Lasekan’s 1957 oil of Justus D. Akeredolu. Lasekan and Akeredolu were both first-generation Nigerian modernists who once shared a studio in Lagos, and Akeredolu is remembered as the pioneer of Yoruba thorn carving, so the painter here is […]

Guzangs Spotlight: African Fashion’s Leap into 2025

Guzangs Spotlight: African Fashion's Leap into 2025 Sevaria 2

African fashion history showcases a rich diversity of cultural expressions, from early garments like loincloths and wraps to the development of iconic textiles such as Bogolanfini, Kente, Adinkra, and the adoption of Ankara prints. Trade and colonization introduced new fabrics, blending with local styles to create unique fashion statements. Clothing in Africa has always been […]