£31.00
Bello of Kofar Mata: Dyeing With the Hands of History
In the heart of Kano, Nigeria—behind a worn stone gate and within a network of ancient clay pits—lives a quiet legacy. It bubbles beneath the surface in deep indigo hues. It whispers in the folds of richly patterned fabric. It speaks through the hands of one man: Bello.
The Kofar Mata Dye Pits, founded in 1498, are among the oldest documented dyeing sites in sub-Saharan Africa. But more than a heritage site, they remain a living, breathing workshop. And Bello, a master of his craft, is one of the last few who still bring colour to cloth using the ancient methods passed down from his forefathers.
“My father taught me everything,” Bello says, his fingers stained with centuries-old blue. “And his father taught him.”
From as early as he can remember, Bello trailed behind his father—watching, learning, absorbing. He learned to tie and pleat fabric in intricate formations using simple tools: thread, wooden paddles, natural binders. He learned to stir and steep the natural indigo vat, watching as white cotton slowly surrendered to the deep soul of blue. Everything—from dye ingredients to drying methods—is sourced and applied the same way it was more than 500 years ago.
In an era of synthetic prints and fast fashion, the pull of modernity has seen many of Bello’s peers drift away—seeking more lucrative work as tourists take photos, but few purchase the fabrics. Yet Bello stays.
“This is my place. My story. My roots,” he says, his voice steady as he adjusts a fresh fabric in the dye vat.
Each of Bello’s patterns—radiating circles, clustered chains, and delicate geometric bursts—reflects lessons etched in time. They are not just designs; they are visual recordings of oral histories, a tactile connection to ancestry.
And now, through its platform, Aparica tells that story—not through brochures or staged photos—but through Bello himself.
For Aparica, it’s not about recreating culture—it’s about respecting it. Each 5-yard piece of hand-dyed fabric sourced from Bello carries the stamp of time, patience, and identity. No two are ever the same. And that’s the point.
In a world that often forgets where it came from, Bello reminds us—with every tie, every dip, every line of indigo—that heritage is not behind us. It’s in our hands.
Kano State, located in northern Nigeria, is a vibrant center of Hausa culture, rich with traditions and practices that are not widely known outside the region. Here are five unique cultural experiences specific to Kano:
In Hausa culture, “Lefe” refers to the custom where the groom presents gifts to his bride before the wedding. These gifts typically include clothing, jewelry, cosmetics, and other personal items, symbolizing the groom’s commitment and ability to provide for his future wife. The items are often delivered in beautifully decorated boxes or suitcases by the groom’s female relatives.
Experience It:
Dalla Hill is a prominent hill in Kano, standing at approximately 1,753 feet. Historically, it was the site of an ancient community engaged in iron-working and later became a spiritual center. The hill offers panoramic views of Kano and holds significant historical importance as the foundation of the city.
Experience It:
Koroso is a traditional Hausa dance characterized by energetic movements and colorful attire, often performed during festivals and important ceremonies in Kano. The dance is accompanied by traditional music and reflects the rich cultural heritage of the Hausa people.
Experience It:
Housed in a 15th-century building, the Gidan Makama Museum offers insights into Kano’s history and Hausa culture. The museum features 11 galleries displaying traditional arts, crafts, musical instruments, and historical artifacts. The building itself is an example of traditional Hausa architecture.
Experience It:
The Ancient Kano City Walls, originally built as defensive structures, date back to the 11th century. These walls, along with the historic gates like Kofar Dan Agundi and Kofar Mata, are significant remnants of Kano’s past, reflecting the city’s historical importance as a trade and cultural hub.
Experience It:
APARICA Indigo Heritage Collection – Dyed in History, Stitched in Soul
Step into a fabric story over 500 years in the making.
In the heart of Kano State, Nigeria, lies a treasure trove of history—Kofar Mata Dye Pits, one of Africa’s oldest surviving dyeing traditions. It’s here, using methods passed down through generations, that our artisan transforms plain cloth into living heritage—one tied knot, one indigo bath at a time.
Each fabric in the APARICA Indigo Heritage Collection begins with a ritual as old as memory itself: the artisan’s hands shaping intricate patterns with hand-tied stitches and twine. The dye? A time-honoured mixture of natural indigo leaves and organic ingredients, fermented and nurtured just like his ancestors did centuries ago. The dye pits themselves—hand-built, sun-warmed, and clay-lined—remain unchanged, offering a window into a legacy that refuses to fade.
What makes these fabrics truly remarkable is that nothing is synthetic. From the binding cords to the carved wooden tools, every element is rooted in the land. Every design tells a different story—bold eyes, rippling diamonds, clustered ovals, marbled veins, and cosmic constellations—crafted patiently by hand and dyed in deep, soul-rich blue.
As one of the few remaining artisans of this heritage practice, our dye master is more than a maker. He’s a guardian of an endangered craft, preserving it thread by thread for the next generation.
Each 5-yard fabric is named by APARICA to reflect its unique motif—so you can tell them apart, but also remember their individual stories.
These are not just fabrics. They are living archives. Wear them, drape them, display them—and know that every fold carries the memory of hands that refuse to let history go.
CARE PANEL
Care Instructions for Your Tie & Dyed Indigo Fabric (Hand-dyed at Kofar Mata)
🌀 Hand Wash Separately in Cold Water
🌿 Use Mild, Natural Soap (No bleach or harsh detergents)
☀️ Dry in Shade – Avoid direct sunlight to preserve indigo richness
🌬 Do Not Tumble Dry – Air dry flat or on a line
🧺 Do Not Soak for Long Periods
🧵 Iron Inside Out on Low to Medium Heat
🌍 Natural Dye Warning: May bleed slightly on first few washes – this is normal for handmade indigo fabrics
These fabrics are alive with history – care for them gently to keep the story going.
| Size/fabric | 5 yards/ 4.6m |
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Price range: £15.00 through £61.00
Price range: £13.50 through £55.00
In 2018, what started as a personal desperate journey for healing turned into something far greater.
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