An Examination of the Revival and Expansion of Indigenous Nigerian Textiles: Adire

Shall-Holma, Adawihyelya (2025) An Examination of the Revival and Expansion of Indigenous Nigerian Textiles: Adire. Masters thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.

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Abstract

Adire, an indigenous Nigerian textile, native to the Yoruba tribe of Southwestern Nigeria, embodies Nigeria’s cultural heritage through resist-dyed textile techniques. Undermined by mass-produced imitations and weak institutional support, Adire is experiencing a revival driven by youth creativity, demand, and a reconnection with cultural pride. This study investigates how Adire is being revived, reinterpreted and sustained within a local context with prospects of a global future, examining its role as a driver for cultural identity trade and innovation.

A qualitative, exploratory design was adopted using semi-structured interviews with 8 participants, purposively chosen stakeholders, consisting of artisans, fashion designers, historians, and agencies. Data collected was thematically analysed using Braun & Clarke’s framework and interpreted to link the four main theories concerned: Glocalisation, Post-colonial theory, Stuart Hall’s Cultural identity theory, and World systems theory.

The finding revealed five key interconnected themes: Cultural Identity & Shifts, with Adire serving as a living cultural symbol. Modern Application & Innovation, youth-led innovation with hybrid techniques. Trade & Exports, the expansion of local, diasporic and foreign demand, combating barriers to trade, quality, and policies. Community Efforts and Support, the encouragement, and the need for more training and development initiatives. Heritage & Policy Recommendations, National adaptation of the textile and subsidies to enable easier foreign trade.

The study concluded that Adire’s resilience is embedded in the capacity to balance adaptation and authenticity, showing how developing nations like Nigeria build their capacity to compete globally.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Supervisors:	Name Email Heywood Jones, Richard UNSPECIFIED
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Adire; Indigenous Nigerian; Yoruba; Textile; Innovation; Youth-led
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > Economics > Business H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > Specific Industries > Fashion Industry H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > Specific Industries > Manufacturing Industry
Divisions:	School of Business (- 2025) > Master of Science in International Business
Depositing User:	Ciara O'Brien
Date Deposited:	16 Dec 2025 17:57
Last Modified:	16 Dec 2025 17:57
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/9052

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