Weaving traditions of Daboya and Yendi communities in Northern Ghana

Abstract

Narrow strip weaving has been an art and one of the traditional occupations in the northern part of Ghana, which has contributed significantly to the economic development and well-being of the people. Even though strip weaving is common in the North, Daboya and Yendi have unique weaving traditions regarding the origin, types of yarns or materials, tools, processes and marketing strategies hence the focus of this paper. Field research method was used to observe, participate and have face-to-face interactions or interview with weavers, smock makers and retailers in their natural setting to gather relevant data. Results revealed that, though yarns are dyed before been woven, the practice is carried out in dyeing pits at Daboya and in pots half-buried in the ground at Yendi. Findings further indicated the difference in design and loom types traditional and modernised loom in Daboya and traditional loom in Yendi) with similar yarn types used in weaving. The outcome revealed that traditional strip weaving in Yendi and Daboya had contributed immensely to tourism, the socio-economic and cultural heritage of the indigenes. The study recommends intensive education for craftsmen to understand the need to welcome new technologies in their occupation to boost their production levels and increase their earnings. It is therefore incumbent on government, academia and non-governmental agencies to facilitate research into their weaving activities to boost their economic fortunes.