Commemorative Cloth (adire oloba)

his commemorative cloth features King George V (1865–1936) and Queen Mary (1867–1953) of England in central medallions. The popular design dates to the 25th anniversary of King George’s reign. The textile’s imagery also links it to both worldly and spiritual leaders; the inscribed Yoruba word “oloba” refers to kings and chiefs. This textile is an example of a traditional resist-dyed cloth known as adire. Starch was used as the resist agent that was applied by hand and with a stencil. A variety of imported commemorative printed cloths became popular in Nigeria beginning in the late 19th century. Alongside locally produced printed fabrics, these commemorative textiles became a sign of prestige to be worn with traditional handwoven textiles to communicate political ideas and events. Nigeria gained independence from British colonial rule in 1960.