INDIGENOUS TEXTILE PRODUCTION: A STUDY OF WEAVING TRADITIONS IN ISEYIN

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to examine weaving and textile design in Iseyin. Specifically, the study sought to examine modern trends in weaving as well as strategies for improving weaving in Iseyin. A descriptive ethnographic research design was adopted for the study. The population of the study comprised three weaving locations, with a minimum of nine centres, each centre having between 10 and 15 apprentices and masters. The sample size for the study comprised 36 weavers selected through an accidental sampling technique. A questionnaire was used to collect data for the study. The data collected were analysed using mean and standard deviation. The findings of the study revealed that the use of synthetic yarns, which are more colourfast; the merging of traditional Aso-Oke with other textile materials such as Ankara and lace; the cultivation and use of traditional cotton; and the use of Aso-Oke to create various products such as bags, shoes, and furniture, among others, are modern trends in weaving in Iseyin. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that the National Directorate of Employment should prioritize the art of weaving by ensuring that the skills of weavers are fine-tuned through exposure to seminars and workshops. This is with a view to ensuring employment opportunities for the teeming unemployed youths through weaving.