Similarities and Differences of the Local Dyeing Culture of Daboya and Abeokuta.

Abstract

Daboya local dyers of the North Gonja District in Northern Ghana and Yoruba indigo dyers of Abeokuta in South Western Nigeria practice similar forms of local dyeing that makes them famous in the local dyeing industry in West Africa. However, the Daboya local dyeing industry is relatively deficient in product durability which needs to be proven to help salvage and support the diminishing local dyeing industry. The study is presented in sections, the similarities and differences in Daboya and Abeokuta dyeing culture and see how they can complement each other. The exploratory methodology adopted, the primary data collected through field research, observations and interviews with stakeholders on the practical activities on yarns, fabrics, plant dyes and methodologies used by both towns under study. The results indicate that Daboya local dyeing products lack the quality exhibited by Abeokuta local dyeing products. Results from the studies also revealed that the use of right dye additives like plantain potash to reduce dye extraction time and interchangeably adopting the resist technique of Abeokuta can improve the Daboya local dyeing industry. Adopting the results of the researchers’ experiments, will also reduce the dyeing time, make dyeing less expensive, convenient, and reduce stress and strains that comes with pit dyeing. For the sustenance of the Daboya local dyeing industry, both sexes will find it easier to use the ceramicdye pots instead, embrace the new dyeing methodologies experimented to help bring diversity and to improve the economic status of self and the local industry as a whole.