Weaving Identity: Materials and Technological Exploration of the Basketry Traditions of the Gurene People of Ghana

Abstract

This study focused on identifying the materials, tools and production techniques used by Gurene artisans to create their basketry products, to promote, preserve and highlight the technical and artistic skills of these producers. This ethnographic study used purposive and snowball sampling techniques to select 103 respondents from Bolgatanga in Ghana's Upper East Region. Data was collected through interviews, observations, focus groups and site visits, and analysed using the NVivo application. The findings established that the primary materials used in crafting the basketry objects are guinea grass, vetiveria grass and basic dye. The artisans use rudimentary tools and utensils such as old rubber slippers, awls, knives, measuring tapes, measuring sticks, pots, basins and empty metal containers to produce their articles. The techniques employed are splitting, twisting, untwisting, dyeing, twining, stake and strand weaving, tucking and lashing. The findings of the research have the potential to drive policy advocacy for artisanal sectors and foster interest among youth in indigenous craftsmanship. The identified plant species will help conservationists, agronomists, and development workers in developing effective programmes for conserving these plants for artisans’ continued use.