Traditional Yoruba Batik & Indigo Tie-Dye

Gasali Adeyemo・Textiles & Indigo Dye・Fall Legacy November 12-15, 2026

Workshop Description

Students in this workshop will learn the traditional Yoruba batik and tie-dye techniques from master craftsman Gasali Adeyemo. This workshop offers a deep dive into both artistry and history, allowing students to experiment with intricate patterns while learning the cultural meanings behind the traditional designs. Students will gain hands-on experience in preparing an indigo vat and explore a range of surface design techniques, including hand-painted and stamped batik, stitch resist, and raffia tie-dye. As students dye their finished pieces in rich, deep blue indigo, they will also learn about the historical importance and cultural significance of indigo dye within the Yoruba tradition.

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About Legacy

Artist Bio

Gasali Adeyemo is a master textile artist from the small village of Ofatedo, Nigeria, where his mother served as his first and most important teacher in the traditional arts of the Yoruba Tribe. In 1990, he began a six-year study at the Nike Center for Arts and Culture, focusing on traditional Yoruba batik, adire eleko, tie-dye, and indigo. Since his first exhibition and travel outside of Nigeria, Gasali has been sharing the arts and culture of the Yoruba people worldwide, conducting workshops and exhibitions at centers like the Aya Fiber Studio, Mendocino Art Center, Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, and the John C. Campbell Folk School. He plans to continue traveling globally to share his craft.

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