Adire Eleko Storytelling w/Cassava Paste

Service Description

Step into the Indigo Dye Village and explore the poetic surface language of Adire Eleko, a historic Yoruba cassava paste resist tradition rooted in Nigeria’s indigo dye heritage. The Adire Eleko Storytelling Workshop at Ajanku Art Studio invites participants into a focused, hands-on textile experience where cloth becomes a canvas and cassava paste becomes the drawing medium. Through this rare and historic resist technique, participants create visual narratives that emerge only after immersion in a living indigo vat. Adire Eleko has long served as a vehicle for symbolism, identity, and cultural storytelling. In this workshop, participants engage that lineage while developing personal imagery and contemporary interpretations. Workshop Experience This two-session workshop allows time for thoughtful design development and layered dye immersion. The moment of washing away the dried cassava paste reveals the preserved design—an unveiling that connects process, patience, and visual storytelling. Participants will: Learn the history and cultural significance of Adire Eleko within Yoruba textile traditions, Explore traditional and contemporary application methods, Draw freehand using feathers, sticks, brushes, or simple tools, Experiment with carved or cut stencils for repeated motifs, Prepare and apply cassava paste resist to natural fiber cloth, Dye textiles in a natural indigo vat, Observe the transformation as paste is washed away, revealing intricate pattern and contrast. Participant Materials Participants are invited to bring 3–6 yards of 100% natural fiber fabric (light- to mid-weight) to serve as their storytelling surface. Natural fibers are essential for proper indigo absorption and clear resist definition. Recommended fabrics include: Cotton sheeting, Muslin, Broadcloth, Lightweight canvas, Linen, Cotton–linen blends (natural fiber dominant). Fabric Preparation Requirements To ensure strong dye results and clean pattern development: Fabric must be 100% natural fiber Fabric must be pre-washed Do not use fabric softener or starch Fabric must be free of sizing or stain-resistant finishes