Draft:Akwa Ocha

Akwa Ocha (White cloth)^[1] is a traditional fabric unique to the Igbo. The Fabric is handwoven and recognizable by its mostly plain white appearance.^[2] In the Igbo language Akwa ocha means white cloth.^[1] Orginally the fabric is made from cotton, which is oftentimes sourced locally and then woven on looms (mostly on vertical looms).^[3] In the Igbo culture, Akwa ocha is valued for its association with purity and dignity, spirituality (in Odinani), and it is also valued as a result of its cultural prestige.^[3] It can be worn as a wrapper (Ogodo) or garment by both men and women.

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The material is often worn by Igbo people at ceremonial festivities such as the iwa ji, marriage, funerals, and title taking rituals, especially in the Western Igbo subgroups. Akwa ocha is mostly worn by native igbo subgroups in Delta State among the Anioma people, Anambra State and Edo State. Akwa ocha, beyond the traditional usage, has as of recently been modernized and continues to be interpreted in many forms both in traditional and also contemporary fashion.^[4] The fabric is designed with decorative motifs and symbols which often signify either status or lineage.