Aso Olona (patterned cloth) is a status cloth representing richly decorated weft-float patterns. This cloth was woven on the upright loom by Yoruba Ijo people and was popular in the early 15th century.
The entire cloth is symmetrical and its panels joined to create a horizontal effect. The patterns and colours depict the richness and diversity of an individual's experience in life. Drewal (1991)
The meaning of Aso olona derives from more than just the weft-float patterns. Some of the symbolism comes from the way in which the cloth is finished off. The weaver may divide the fringe into seven sections, wrapping each with thread, sometimes intricately, to create elaborate tassels. Or she may create six vertical slits at each end of the cloth, dividing the cloth in this area into seven woven sections.
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