Kofar Dye Pits

The Kofar Dye Pits established in 1498 are said to be the oldest in Africa, and is located one kilometer away from the Emir of Kano’s Palace. Various designs are folded into the material before dyeing, and the fabric is often beaten to achieve the shiny, iridescent appearance. For over 500 years, tye and dye makers in Kano state have crouched down over circular pits in the earth to make beautiful designs from natural ingredients on fabrics that attract buyers from all over the world.
The Kano indigo-vegetable dye pits are one of the most fascinating aspects of this old city.