The Traditional Cloth Weaving Industry and the Jechira of Benue State: A Historical Appraisal, 1952 - 1998
This study appraises traditional cloth making among the Jechira people of Benue State, Nigeria, focusing on the techniques, cultural significance, and evolving dynamics of the craft within the context of modernity and globalization. The research adopts a qualitative methodological framework, employing ethnographic tools to collect data from selected communities within the Jechira axis, notably in the present-day Vandeikya and Konshisha Local Government Areas. Primary data were gathered through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and participant observation involving local weavers, cultural custodians, and community elders. The study also relied on oral histories to trace the historical development and intergenerational transmission of traditional weaving knowledge. Secondary data were sourced from existing literature, archival records, and government publications. Data analysis was conducted thematically, highlighting recurring patterns and narratives related to technique, symbolism, gender roles, and economic relevance. The research reveals that while traditional cloth making remains a vital cultural heritage, it is under pressure from dwindling patronage, scarcity of raw materials, and limited institutional support. The study recommends strategic interventions for preservation, including cultural education, local policy formulation, and the integration of indigenous textile knowledge into contemporary fashion and creative industries.
Keywords: appraisal, benue, cloth, historical, industry, jechira, state, traditional, weaving