In a world racing toward the future, there’s a quiet revolution happening; one that’s deeply rooted in memory, identity, and storytelling. Across the continent and beyond, there is an acceleration in African voices, reclaiming history by documenting it through books. This is more than a literary trend but coming from a sense of self cultural responsibility. It is a movement to preserve our narratives, honor our heritage, and pass down the wisdom and spirit of our traditions.
One powerful example of this is my book “Aṣọ”, a vibrant tribute to the Yoruba people from the Western part of Nigeria and their profound relationship with clothing and textiles. Aṣọ doesn’t just tell a story but it preserves a legacy. Through carefully woven words and cultural insight, it reveals how fabric is far more than a material thing in the Yoruba culture. It is a language, a symbol, and a keeper of tradition.
Why Documenting African History Matters
For centuries, African history was largely told through the lens of outsiders; anthropologists, colonial administrators, and historians with limited understanding or bias. This led to an incomplete and often distorted view of the continent’s past. But African authors and scholars are changing that by writing their own stories, in their own voices, for future generations.
Books like Aṣọ serve as cultural mirrors. They reflect traditions, rituals, and worldviews that might otherwise fade under the pressures of modernization. They document not just events, but the essence of African life—our music, language, fashion, food, and philosophy.
Aṣọ: A Cultural Archive in Fabric and Words
In Yoruba culture, aṣọ (meaning cloth) is not just worn, however, it is lived. From the sacred Aso-ebi worn at ceremonies to the symbolic meanings of indigo-dyed Adirẹ and the elegance of Aso Oke, textile is a living archive of identity and status, of love and loss, of power and resistance.
My book, Aṣọ, beautifully explores this deep connection. It brings to light the unspoken language of fabric. How clothing is communicated beyond patterns but woven into proverbial adage that connotes heritage and the importance in the society.
More than a historical account, Aṣọ is a celebration of creativity and resilience. It connects the past to the present, showing how tradition continues to shape modern African identity.
Books like Aṣọ will also inspire younger generations to take pride in their roots. In an era of globalization, where identity can often feel diluted, such works remind us of who we are and where we come from.
Support African authors. Share their stories. Pass them down. And if you have a story of your own; write it.
Because every culture deserves to see itself in the pages of history.
Have you read Aṣọ? Dive into the rich tapestry of Yoruba culture and discover how clothing can speak louder than words. It’s not just a book but it’s a cultural experience.
