Dyes extraction from natural plant sources is widely practiced in Yorubaland. Indigo however remains one of the oldest, most popular, most widely used and for which the Yoruba are renowned. Advancement in technology, external influences and introduction of synthetic dyes into indigo dyeing has fostered continuity between indigo technologies of the

past and its contemporary practice. Scholastic reticence however exists on the technological adaptations that has sustained indigo dye extraction. This art historical account, based on field researches conducted between November 1982 and March 2015, examined the technology of Yoruba indigo dyeing from the earliest known period up to 2015. Thus, the morphology of the plant, the extraction and chemistry of the dye, traditions and adaptations in the practice were looked into. This was

with a view to determining changes and adaptations of the technology and the techniques in the artistic practice. Findings indicate observable paradigm shifts in material, tools and equipment and consequently technology and techniques of indigo dyeing. There were also paradigm shifts in the apprenticeship pattern and the genders of practitioners. Through their dynamism, the Yoruba dyers have continued to keep indigo dye and dyeing alive and have kept themselves economically

responsible, thus continuing to contribute significantly to the technological development to their communities.