Monday 29 September 2014

Allyson Davies writes a book, ‘Storytelling Through Adiré̩’



ADA DIKE
The way Nigeria’s foremost artist, Chief Mrs. Nike Okundaye and her family have transformed art business in Nigeria can be likened to turning an ash to treasure.
As Nike has continued to reposition Nigeria and indeed Africa’s rich culture in people’s minds all over the world, her daughter and the General Manager of Nike Art Centre, Allyson Aina Davies, recently wrote a book on Adire -tie and dye of textile which was hitherto practiced mostly by Yoruba women in south western Nigeria.
Titled: “Storytelling Through Àdìr”, the book, according to Davies, is a toolbox of practical helpful tools in Àdìr making and a library of the ancestral pattern names and interpretations.
Chief Nike Okundaye




Chief Okundaye with her daughter, Allyson Aina Davies

 “Some patterns are derived from Àdìr ĺk, a practice which is facing extinction. The patterns were once used as communication via fabrics and documented social, economic and environmental conditions of that time.  Today, we see these patterns on Nigerian artworks and more,” says Davies.
She emphasized that “Unfortunately, we in Nigeria don't often document history, culture and experiences firsthand.  Consequently, we see our history through the eyes of the European.  The aim of the book is to document and preserve the pattern interpretations and making it public knowledge. Despite subconsciously seeing ‘Adiré
̩ ĺk’ patterns, everywhere, few know the significance. The patterns are commonly found on paintings, sculptures and around us in everyday life in Nigeria.  
“‘Stroytelling through Adiré̩’ interprets the meaning of the patterns, which were traditionally worn as a form of communication and to uplift moods. The patterns documented social, environmental and economic conditions of that time.  The book also contains practical tools for Adiré̩ making, the process of extracting natural indigo dye and Nigerian proverbs,” she explained.
She revealed that all Àdìr patterns are significant and carry a message. She also interpreted some designs: “Some designs are ‘Ónfà Alángbá Bẹ̀rẹ̀kẹ̀tẹ̀’ (Dragging fat Lizard). The big stomach is a symbol of wealth. Feed your family to be big and healthy like the fat lizard. This book not only features patterns found on traditional Àdìr, it also shows variations and modern adaptations of the patterns popularly found on Nigerian artworks.
  “All lizards lie on their bellies, but nobody knows which of them suffers stomach ache.”
The price of the book which is scheduled to be unveiled soon is 5,000.
Additionally, there are proverbs in the book, such as: “It is empty vessels that are noisy, those filled with water are not”
“The book is filled with Nigerian proverbs, history and culture.  The pattern names are written in both English & our sophisticated language, Yorùbá. Moyo Okediji, MFA, Ph.D., Professor of Art and Art History, contributed a beautiful essay for the foreword on the deep rooted history of Àdìr-
"In aesthetic terms, the joy of Àdìr is equally about the invisible as the visible."
This book is a toolbox of practical helpful tools in practicing Adiré̩, and a library of the ancestral pattern names and interpretations.
Aina, a Master’s Degree student of the University of Surrey also said that:  “Àdir Oník̀ refers to the tied resist method. This is commonly known as 'tie-dye'/'tie and dye'. Today, tie-dye is a fun, quick and easy with a beautiful and unique outcome.”
Similarly, Chief Okundaye has called on the governments to put money in the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation “so that we can have street art and heritage sites like Adire site in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Indigo site in Osogbo, Osun State and bigger dye pits in Kano,” she appealed.
Below are some pictures that tell stories about Adire.

Caption A
Adire Patterns are so expressive and mood uplifting. Every pattern is significant and has a meaning. The painting in the background is filled with patterns and painted by Niké of Nike Art Centre.

Caption B
Famous Photographer Kelechi Amadi Obi is wearing an Adiré̩ Oník̀́ Tshirt. Adiré̩ Oník̀́ refers to the tied resist method of creating Adiré̩ from tying raffia around fabric.

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