What was the intended function for embellished Yoruba resist-dyed cloth (adire eleko)?

• A. Celebratory ritual garb
• B. Practical clothing
• C. Religious ceremony costume
• D. State ceremonial attire

Answer: (B)

The key idea here is that adire eleko was meant for everyday use, not for ritual or ceremonial roles. This Yoruba resist-dyed cloth is made by applying a starch-based resist (eleko) to fabric before indigo dyeing, which creates bold, decorative patterns while leaving large areas of the fabric in a practical blue. It developed as a flexible, affordable way to produce functional garments—wrappers, skirts, shirts, and other daily wear—especially among Yoruba makers and markets. Its appeal lies in usefulness, durability, and the ability to tradework it into regular attire, rather than reserving it for special rites or state ceremonies.