Cane weaving in Onitsha: processes, techniques and market potentialities

Abstract

It seems that cane weaving in Nigeria is becoming moribund. Well, this belief may be re-interrogated in light of this research. While one may argue that Africa has a remarkably rich heritage especially in the areas of arts and craft industries, the craft techniques and market potentialities of most of these crafts may not have been adequately explored. In view of this problem this study investigates cane weaving in Nigeria using Onitsha as a case study to understudy the potentialities of this seemingly declining local craft industry. Notable cane weavers in Onitsha were studied and interviewed in order to gain an insight into the production and marketing of cane products. Scholarly texts were also consulted. The study reveals that the local craft industry of cane weaving possesses latent potentialities in terms of skill and market possibilities if creativity and funding accompany its production processes.