Adire Eleko Other resist techniques include the use of a starch paste applied to the fabric, known as adire eleko . This process is similar to batik of Indonesia. Instead of using wax, a thick glue-like paste, made by boiling cassava starch in water, is applied to the cloth. The paste does not absorb the dye, producing a contrasting and delicate design. Women apply the paste by hand using sticks or feathers.
Men use a quicker method of application by utilizing stenciled designs.
Patterns incorporated in adire combine written proverbs with traditional visual forms. Women produce these delicate stitched designs. Several proverb designs are incorporated with this piece. This page created by Stephanie G. Folse.