Our Story in Textiles
From Nigeria, for Africa and the World
At Woven Market Africa, textiles are more than materials — they are vessels of history, culture, and identity. Each fabric represents generations of knowledge carried forward through the hands of skilled artisans.
Our journey began in Nigeria, drawn to the artistry and cultural meaning of Aṣọ ̀-Òkè, one of the country’s most iconic handwoven fabrics. While these textiles existed across urban and town markets, they were often difficult for designers and creatives to access or work with directly.
Many designers had little opportunity to collaborate closely with artisans to translate their ideas into fabric. That gap sparked a mission: to bridge heritage weaving traditions and modern design.
Today, Woven Market Africa connects artisans, designers, and brands to explore the full potential of heritage textiles, expanding across Nigeria and eventually across Africa, while sharing these stories globally.
How We Work with Heritage Textiles
Collaborative Craftsmanship
We work directly with artisan communities to ensure that every weave represents authentic craft. Designers get creative freedom, while artisans preserve tradition.
Ethical & Sustainable
Sustainability is in the DNA of the techniques we preserve. Our fabrics are slow-made, wasteconscious, and people-centered — long before eco-consciousness became a trend.
Accessible & Translational
We bring heritage textiles closer to designers, speaking a language they understand and enabling them to explore patterns, textures, and colors with freedom and control.
Textile Collections
Explore our curated collections of heritage African textiles, including Aṣọ ̀-Òkè and other handwoven fabrics. Each piece reflects centuries of skill, cultural meaning, and artistry.
Heritage Collection
Aṣọ̀-Òkè textiles preserving centuries-old weaving traditions
Limited Weave Collections
Exclusive small-batch textiles developed with artisan communities
Seasonal Developments
Contemporary interpretations of heritage weaving techniques
Designer Collaborations
Co-created textiles bridging tradition and modern design
Custom Development
Custom Textile Development
Custom Textile Development
Collaborate with WMA to develop textiles that reflect your creative vision. Adapt colors, patterns, and materials while working directly with artisan networks.
- Colour adaptations
- Pattern modifications
- Textile sampling
- Production timelines
What Designers and Brands are Saying About WMA Textiles
"Working with Woven Market Africa transformed how I approach textiles in my collections. Their ability to connect designers directly with artisan weaving communities allowed me to experiment with Aṣọ̀-Òkè in ways that felt both authentic and contemporary. The collaboration respected the tradition behind the craft while giving designers real creative freedom."
"Woven Market Africa is doing something incredibly important for the future of African textiles. They are not simply sourcing fabrics — they are building the infrastructure that allows heritage craftsmanship to exist within the global fashion industry. As a designer, that level of transparency and cultural respect is invaluable."
"Woven Market Africa has created a bridge that has been missing for decades. By connecting artisans, designers, and international buyers in a thoughtful way, they are helping African textile traditions move from isolated craft production to a thriving global industry."
Woven Market Africa exists to restore, structure, and scale Africa’s textile heritage. For generations, weaving communities across the continent have preserved extraordinary knowledge — techniques, motifs, and traditions passed through the hands of artisans.