Akwete cloth is a unique hand woven fabric of Igbo women from Akwete in Abia State, Nigeria. Akwete cloth is a special woven fabric by Igbo women in Akwete area near Aba in Abia State. Akwete cloth is a handwoven textile from Igboland, Nigeria. ARISE Fashion Week 2018 – Kenneth Ize [Image: Rezze Bonna]. Different types of weaving apply different methods in which these threads are inter-woven which affects the characteristics of the cloth. TDS sell a lifestyle, a story and shift in mentality. Kente cloth is one of the African most popular and beloved pieces of clothes. As is typical of Akwete weaving, the cloth is noticeably wider at one end than the other. Akwete cloth is a uniquely weaved cloth that originated from Akwete community in Abia State. A move that proved lucrative for the community. As is typical of Akwete weaving, the cloth is noticeably wider at one end than the other. Socio-cultural importance : Because of the dexterity of the weavers who demonstrated evincingly great mastery of technique and beauty of design, the art of Akwete-cloth weaving was erroneously believed to have been introduced from Okene in Kwara state where a similar but highly developed style earlier existed. Akwete cloth is woven as a full wrapper, unlike in other weaving Nigerian towns like Bida, Okene, and Lokoja, where cloths are sewn together to reach wrapper size. [Image: Royal Ontario Museum Textiles & Fashions]. The more comfortable and colorful spun cotton is used to weave cloth for everyday wearing. Some Rights Reserved CC-BY-NC-SA by British Museum. Okeke (1985) defined weaving as This, along with the cloths vibrant colours and creative designs, helped spread the cloth’s fame. Bida was once the capital of a Fulani-ruled emirate renowned in West Africa for its craft-works, which include decorative brass casting, embroidery, and glass bead making, as well as both men’s and women’s weaving. By 1963, it was exhibited at the Textile Museum in Washington, D.C., the British Museum in the UK, and the Textile Museum of Canada. refers specifically to the cloth woven in the Ndoki town of Akwete in Ukwa East local Government ... Akwete weaving is done on an … Please check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription. The biography discussed in this paper reaches an important highpoint in the late nineteenth century when weaving in the Igbo village of Akwete underwent significant changes. The end result is a continuous wrap that is worn as a single panel. Legend has it that a woman named Dada Nwakata pioneered the intricate woven designs seen today. She then added some creative innovation to the design to create the Akwete known today. There is the plain ‘Etirieti’, which is made up of stripes and squares. The predominant ethno-linguistic group in this area are the Ebira of Central Nigeria. With slow and deliberate movements, the tortoise is considered to have king-like qualities. 7, No. Akwete cloth weaving is said to be as old as the Igbo nation. As they grow, they weave from 15-30 and 30-50 inches wide. Collected In The Late 1930s By Gi. Akwete Cloth and Its Motifs, Marian Davis, African Arts Vol. Akwete cloth is a unique hand woven textile produced in Igboland for which the town of Akwete in Abia state, Nigeria is famous. Akwete weavers claim that there are over hundred motifs in existence. The TDS goal is to showcase, celebrate and promote the local fashion industry. Akwete cloth is wider at one end and longer on one side—a feature that is either deliberate or unpreventable but that cannot be reproduced by weaving machines. Nupe: the Nupe live along the river Niger in central Nigeria, around their capital of Bida. British Prime Minister Theresa May wearing Aso-Oke by Emmy Kasbit [Image: The Guardian NG]. Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License. Weavers in … Measurements: 75 ins x 51 ins, 192 cm x 130 cm. The traditional Igbo weaving as demonstrated in Akwete processes sisal-hemp, raffia and spun cotton into finished products. Weaving kente cloth on a loom . With the ability to blend with other materials, there are unlimited possibilities open to this cloth. called Akwete cloth was n ot and is not woven only by the Akwete and, therefore, that the pr oper name o f the product should be Ndo ki cloth. See more ideas about african art, african textiles, african. Apr 10, 2016 - Nigerian women used an upright single heddle loom to weave wide pieces of cloth, one, two, or three or which would make up a wrapper. Towns where these traditional industries are located comprises the following towns and villages - Ndoki of Abia State sharing common boundaries with Ndoki, Ijo and Ogoni of River state as a cluster of weaving communities. This cloth was woven in one piece. While all cotton used in Akwete weaving was once hand spun and hand dyed by women, today, imported dyed yarns are more common, as reflected in this cloth. Because of the dexterity of the weavers who demonstrated evincing great mastery of technique and beauty of design, the art of Akwete-cloth weaving was erroneously believed to have been introduced from Okene in Kogi state where a similar but highly developed style earlier existed. It can take weeks to weave one of these wide masterpieces. Akwete cloth: An Igbo textile art Vanguard Newspaper JULY 26, 2012 See more ideas about african textiles, woman weaving, museum collection. the cloth was used as trade good and item. Akwete Ndoki town. Socio-cultural importance : Because of the dexterity of the weavers who demonstrated evincingly great mastery of technique and beauty of design, the art of Akwete-cloth weaving was erroneously believed to have been introduced from Okene in Kwara state where a similar but highly developed style earlier existed. This weaving tradition is considered to be as old as the Igbo nation. The Akwete, a popular cloth weaving is an ancient Igbo craft. 1690 x 1780 x 140 mm. It was originally referred to as “Akwa Miri” (Cloth of the water) meaning towel. Fabrics are woven to be single faced or double faced, that is the motifs show on both sides. It is originally referred to as “Akwa Miri” (Cloth of the water) meaning towel. They would begin as soon as their arms were long enough to operate the loom. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive occasional updates about our projects, craft & maker features. Sep 6, 2020 - Explore Sam Sam's board "Akwete cloth" on Pinterest. Some designs are reserved for royalty such as the tortoise motif called ‘Ikaki’. The Designers Studio connects you to the world of Fashion & Design in Kenya. Akwete cloth is made from Ukwa East Local Government Area, Abia state, Nigeria. Before the introduction of coinage currencV Nigeria. The motifs are named after their appearance and often play a role in social status. The longitudinal threads are called the warp and the lateral threads are the weft or filling. The first versions of the Akwete were made from cotton on a broad loom called ‘nkwe’. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. It is an industry owned by women only. The Akwete community considers cloth weaving to be a gift you’re born with. Akwete cloth is wider at one end and longer on one side—a feature that is either deliberate or unpreventable but that cannot be reproduced by weaving machines. KEYWORDS: Akwete, Weaving, Poverty, Alleviation, Tourism INTRODUCTION Akwete cloth is made from Ukwa East Local Government Area, Abia state, Nigeria. In 1697, the King of the Ashanti Kingdom, Osei Tutu, selected several weavers from nearby towns and villages to travel to neighbouring Ivory Coast to become experts in the complex art form. Akwete cloth weaving is said to be as old as the Igbo nation. Akwete cloth weaving is said to be as old as the Igbo nation. From everyday use to occasions and masquerades. The Akwete cloth is a hand-woven fabric from the Akwete area, near Aba in Abia State. Jul 3, 2017 - Late 19th century Igbo vertical broad loom from the women’s weaving industry at Akwete (southern Igbo area), present day Abia State, Nigeria. The Igbo began to trade the fabric for goods from international traders and the Sahara, as well as, other regions of Nigeria. In addition, Ekweme (2002) documents that Akwete fabric made a landmark appearance in 1963 when it … Sep 6, 2020 - Explore Sam Sam's board "Akwete cloth" on Pinterest. An Akwete girl is taught to weave from the time her horizontal reach can handle a narrow wall loom. Akwete cloths are distinguished from other textiles produced on the vertical loom by their size. Consequently, girls are taught how to weave Akwete cloths like this from a very young age . This hand-woven fabric is used in both male and female clothing, but the patterns and colors differ according to gender, status, and region of Africa. Although some other communities around the region so participate in this craft of cloth weaving, but Akwete is the most renowned of these weaving communities. During the mid 1900s, weaving in Akwete shifted from being a part time occupation for some women, to being a full time occupation for the majority of women. However intricate motifs made with rayon or silk are woven onto the cotton for formal dress. See more ideas about african art, african textiles, african. Using hand woven textiles made in Abia Sate, he fashions modern interpretations of dresses, skirts, shorts, suits and jackets. Basden (1966) referred to it as women’s work perfected by the spinning of cotton and weaving the thread into cloth. Since the 15th century, they have been weaving the cloths, but lament that except the late Sam Mbakwe administration in old Imo State, they have been denied of government’s support. This weaving tradition is considered to be as old as the Igbo nation. Only on her passing did her close friend, the only person she allowed to witness her weaving, share the weaving process. This woven cloth has been traded in the Okene main market from time immemorial, and people travel from far and wide to purchase the beautiful cloth, which varies from a simple weave to more sophisticated patterns. Akwete fabric weaving as an indispensable need of humanity because “civilization is nothing without it”. This town is renowned for and actually named after their traditional weaving methods because they produce “ Mkpuru Akwete ” which directly translates as “ Akwete fabric”. From vibrant traditions to delectable dishes to beautiful wildlife, Africa is popping with life. On the contrary, Nwachukwu and The fabric was originally referred to as “Akwa Miri” or cloth of the water. These cookies do not store any personal information. called Akwete cloth was n ot and is not woven only by the Akwete and, therefore, that the pr oper name o f the product should be Ndo ki cloth. Akwete cloth from the 1960s. It is a cloth material of geat cultural, economic and importance. Women’s wrapper from the Igbo peoples, Akwete, Nigeria, early to mid-20th century from David Adjaye Selects at the Cooper-Hewitt. References It is originally referred to as "Akwa Miri" (Cloth of the water) meaning towel. S ocio-cultural importance: Because of the dexterity of the weavers who demonstrated evincingly great mastery of technique and beauty of design, the art of Akwete-cloth weaving was erroneously believed to have been introduced from Okene in Kwara state where a similar but highly developed style earlier existed. Method of Weaving Kente. This cloth was woven in one piece. Anyone who’s been to Africa will attest that it’s a highly animated land of color and soul. It is said that every woman in Akwete knows how to weave the geometric pat-terns which typify Akwete cloth. Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the current King of the Ashanti Kingdom wearing kente Once they returned to Ghana, they started to weave the beautiful and colourful cloth excl… Emmy Kasbit SS18 [Image: Kosol Onwudinjor]. They can be single or double faced, with the latter presenting motifs on both sides. Also yellow means richness, royalty, prosperity, monetary wealth, worthwhile, glorious, precious, fertility. Weaving has been an age long profession of women globally. The cloth was woven during the 1950's or 1960's. Traditionally the creator of a new motif is granted an unwritten copyright. We connect people for trade, production and creative collaborations, craft-based supply chains and artistic intercultural exchange – for more cultural appreciation and less appropriation. Different coloured threads and two shuttles used for weaving. Historically, kente cloth is the attire of royalty, originating from Ghana. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Akwete cloth is a unique hand woven fabric of Igbo women of Akwete in Abia State, Nigeria. The vibrant ‘Akpukpa’, the complex ‘Ahia’ and lastly, the intricate ‘Ogbanaonweya’. In this example of Akwete cloth, the 'ikaki' design is barely detectable. Base fabric is mostly low twist yarn cotton, with the decorative motifs consisting of coarser or heavier spun cotton, low twist silk, or shiny rayon. Akwete popularity grew in the region and beyond due to palm oil trade. Jones. According to an article published in Vanguard Nigeria, ‘After processing the cotton to desired thread form, the  weaver fixes a set of threads on the loom to form the warp and then the weft thread (net-work of thread) is passed over and under the warped thread. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Unlike the Kente and Barkcloth that was made by men, Igbo women traditionally handled Akwete weaving. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Weaving is a method of textile production in which two distinct sets of yarns or threads are interlaced at right angles to form a fabric or cloth. While mothers were weaving. The cloth itself is said to be as old as the Igbo nation. Akwete cloth is woven as a full wrapper, unlike in other weaving Nigerian towns like Bida, Okene, and Lokoja, where cloths are sewn together to reach wrapper size. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. There were many quite localised traditions, most of which have now been abandoned. The importation of machine manufactured fabrics into the country which ran into millions of Naira, made the traditional handcrafted fabrics suffer big setback. TDS sell a lifestyle, a story and shift in mentality. If a non-royal wore this design they would be punished or sold into slavery. An Akwete chief, Rufus Nna James, fought for the cloth to garner international attention. A two color warp background is also used which produces a blended color effect. The traditional Igbo weaving as demonstrated in Akwete processes sisal-hemp, raffia and spun cotton into finished products. The traditional Igbo weaving as demonstrated in Akwete, processes sisal-hemp, raffia and cotton into finished products. Launched in April 2018, Ékété is an accessories brand that made its fashionable introduction with... There’s something fascinating about David Krynauw’s work. Akwete cloth as it is rightly named is a hand woven cloth produced by the people of Akwete – Ndoki in Abia State of Nigeria. It creates a quintessential African look. This is explained by the inspirational aspect of the development of motifs in the society, certain motifs being regarded as gifts of creative inspiration from a divinity. The local name for Okene Cloth is Ita-inochi. It is an industry owned by women only. Akwete cloth is usually made of cotton thread, and the decorative motifs are produced with cotton threads of a heavier texture or rayon silk done on a loom. Lastly, the spun cotton is reserved for everyday clothes due to its comfort element. out West Africa for its unique weaving. Dates from circa 1960-1970 and is in excellent condition. Akwete is a small town in Abia State, Eastern Nigeria. Nupe: the Nupe live along the river Niger in central Nigeria, around their capital of Bida. Kente cloth is purely hand woven; no machinery is used. Some patterns are reserved for special families or occasions because of circumstances pertaining to motif origin. Because they are all made by hand, the pieces can’t be duplicated. Akwete cloth comes in different patterns and motifs. Their techniques are guarded both within the village itself and from one compound to another. Due to its lucrative nature, they required a certification of ownership that would prevent neighbouring villages from capitalizing on it. Consequently, the excellent attributes of the weaving culture of the people of Nigeria, the Igbo (Akwete), the Yoruba (Aso-Oke), the Hausa (Fari), the Tiv (Anger) the Ebira land (Okene cloth) to mention but a few has been universally acknowledged as being able to cultivate over
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