Description
A Yoruba proverb tells us that “etu is the father of cloths.” Thirty years ago when I was researching for my thesis I would ask Yoruba chiefs and elders “what cloths did your ancestors wear ?” Without exception they would reply “etu, sanyan and alaari.” Etu means “guineafowl” in Yoruba, and the fine pinstripes or check of dark and light blue recalls the bird’s speckled plumage. Multiple immersions of the thread in the indigo dye pot were required to obtain the desired blue black colour. Etu asooke was among the most prestigious and expense cloths in the repertoire of Yoruba men’s weaving, ideally, as here, woven from local hand spun cotton. This cloth was woven in two panels on an upright loom, by a woman weaver. Despite the many thousands of Yoruba textiles I have seen and collected over the years, it is the first time I have seen an etu cloth. woven on the upright loom. In worn but excellent condition and dates from early to mid C20th. Measures 6’1″ x 4’9″, 185 cm x 146.
All items on this site are vintage. That means that they may have a few small marks or blemishes consistent with use. We will try to highlight any significant issues in the description above but in the event you are not happy with your purchase please notify us within 48 hours of receipt and you may return it for a full refund (excluding return shipping costs.)
