Organic Dyed Yarns for Kente Weaving.

Abstract

The dependency on import for synthetic dye is detrimental to the local dyeing industries in Ghana. In the light of the above, the researchers identified and employed dye yielding plants applicable to cotton yarn dyeing and to make certain their potency to withstand frequent washing capable of being used for Kente cloth. Such experimentation certainly sets the stage for change in the local dyeing industry in Ghana. The study investigated dye yielding plants in Ghana and focused on eight potential plant, namely the Mango tree bark, (Mangifera indica L.), Mahogany Tree bark (Khayan senegalensis), ‘Dawadawa’ tree bark (Parkia clappertoniana), ‘Neem’ Tree (Azadirachta indica), Sorghum bicolor leaves, ‘Nierre’ (Nothofagus Antarctica) seed, Indigo Plant Indigofera tinctoria and Cola Nut (Cola acuminata) for the research. Data were collected through questionnaire administration, personal interviews, and from secondary sources. A total of five dyeing centres was randomly selected and interviewed at Daboya in the Northern Region of Ghana. The results indicate that the yarn dyeing centres use only Indigo Plant (Indigofera tinctoria) in dyeing yarns for weaving ‘Fugu’. Dyers have not exploited any other sources of dyes for yarn dyeing. However, potential dye-yielding plants that have not been exploited exist in every part of the country. Employing other dye-yielding plants systematically would enhance the yarn dyeing industries in Ghana and cattail the importation of synthetic dyed yarns.