A Comparative Study of Bonwire Kente and Daboya Benchibi

Weaving is one of the indigenous crafts, very common in the Ghanaian tradition. This craft is very much associated with three regions in Ghana. These are Volta region in the southern sector, Ashanti region in the middle sector and Northern region in the northern sector. Prominent areas within these regions are AvetimeKpetoe in the Volta region, Bonwire in the Ashanti region and Daboya in the Northern region. Woven fabrics produced from each of these areas possess specific characteristics different from other. The purpose of the study was to ascertain the production processes involved in the manufacturing of Daboya"Benchibi" and Bonwire"Kente". The study aimed at bringing out the similarities and differences in the Daboya"Benchibi" and Bonwire"Kente". The study centred on the qualitative design paradigm and employed the descriptive research method. The study used observation and interview as data collection instruments to identify, describe and analyse the production process, differences and similarities in the production processes of the two weaving traditions. The purposive sampling was used to select six weavers for the study. Three each from the selected communities. The descriptive method was used to analyse the data. The study found out that designing, warping, heddling, reeding, tying-up and actual weaving constituted the production processes involved in the production of both Daboya"Benchibi" and Bonwire"Kente". The study revealed that Daboya"Benchibi" and Bonwire"Kente" have differences in terms of style of weave, designs and materials used. The study recommends that the physical features, techniques and various skills in these traditions of weaving should be upheld to serve as a unique trademark and legacy for both communities.

Keywords: Kente; Benchibi; Weaving; Master weavers; Warp; Weft