Did Islam Introduce Agbada, Buba and Sokoto to Yorubaland?
I believe Islam and trans-Saharan trade greatly influenced clothing and social life in Yorubaland. Muslim traders and scholars brought northern and wider West African styles into Oyo, from where such influences spread across the region. However, the origins of agbada remain open to historical debate. Some accounts trace its distinctive embroidery and multi-piece form to the old Oyo Empire, while also recognising trade and Islamic cultural influences on flowing robes. Before Islam and Christianity became widespread, Yoruba communities experienced long periods of inter-group conflict. I argue that shared worship helped strengthen ties among Yoruba people from different backgrounds, especially as Muslims gathered under the same imam.
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