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 with regards to the origin, types of yarns or materials, tools, processes and marketing strategies hence the focus of this paper. Field research design was used to observe, participate and have face-to-face interaction with weavers, smock makers and retailers in their natural setting. Interview was used for the collection of data during the study tour. The outcome revealed that traditional strip weaving in Yendi and Daboya has contributed immensely to tourism, the socio-economic and cultural heritage of the indigenes. Findings further indicated 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 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 the appropriate agencies to facilitate research to modernise the weaving tradition.