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.