https://nigeria.craftpedia.africa/index.php?action=history&feed=atom&title=Igala_BasketryIgala Basketry - Revision history2026-04-11T16:06:07ZRevision history for this page on the wikiMediaWiki 1.45.1https://nigeria.craftpedia.africa/index.php?title=Igala_Basketry&diff=207&oldid=prevNiger afr adm: Created page with "'''Igala Basketry''' is a traditional craft of the Igala people of Kogi State, Nigeria. The craft produces woven baskets used for yam storage, riverine trade, agriculture, and household purposes, reflecting the Igala’s historic position along the Niger and Benue rivers. == Historical Background == The Igala Kingdom emerged as a significant regional power between the 15th and 19th centuries, controlling trade routes along the Niger–Benue confluence. Basketry develope..."2026-02-23T09:15:44Z<p>Created page with "'''Igala Basketry''' is a traditional craft of the Igala people of Kogi State, Nigeria. The craft produces woven baskets used for yam storage, riverine trade, agriculture, and household purposes, reflecting the Igala’s historic position along the Niger and Benue rivers. == Historical Background == The Igala Kingdom emerged as a significant regional power between the 15th and 19th centuries, controlling trade routes along the Niger–Benue confluence. Basketry develope..."</p>
<p><b>New page</b></p><div>'''Igala Basketry''' is a traditional craft of the Igala people of Kogi State, Nigeria. The craft produces woven baskets used for yam storage, riverine trade, agriculture, and household purposes, reflecting the Igala’s historic position along the Niger and Benue rivers.<br />
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== Historical Background ==<br />
The Igala Kingdom emerged as a significant regional power between the 15th and 19th centuries, controlling trade routes along the Niger–Benue confluence. Basketry developed as an essential support craft for agriculture and commerce, particularly in the cultivation and transport of yams, which are central to Igala subsistence and culture.<br />
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Baskets were widely used to move goods between river ports and inland settlements, facilitating regional exchange networks.<br />
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== Materials and Construction ==<br />
Igala basket makers use plant materials from riverine and savanna environments, including:<br />
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* Palm fibers <br />
* Bamboo <br />
* Raffia <br />
* River grasses <br />
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Materials are split and dried before weaving into sturdy containers suitable for heavy agricultural loads.<br />
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Some baskets are tightly woven for storage, while others feature open weaves for ventilation.<br />
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== Functions and Uses ==<br />
Traditional uses include:<br />
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* Storage and transport of yams <br />
* Carrying agricultural produce to markets <br />
* Riverine trade and transport <br />
* Household storage and organization <br />
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Large baskets are often used during harvest seasons to move crops from farms to settlements.<br />
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== Cultural Significance ==<br />
Basketry reflects the Igala people’s agrarian economy and strategic location along major waterways. The craft demonstrates ecological knowledge and supports food security and trade.<br />
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Basket-making skills are traditionally transmitted within families and remain part of rural livelihoods.<br />
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== See also ==<br />
* [[Igala people]]<br />
* [[Kogi State]]<br />
* [[Niger–Benue confluence]]<br />
* [[African basketry]]<br />
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== References ==<br />
* Clifford, H. R. ''The Igala Kingdom''. Journal of the Royal African Society, 1936.<br />
* Boston, J. S. ''The Igala Kingdom''. Oxford University Press, 1968.<br />
* National Commission for Museums and Monuments (Nigeria). ''Traditional Crafts of the Niger–Benue Region''. Lagos.<br />
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[[Category:Basketry]]<br />
[[Category:Nigerian crafts]]<br />
[[Category:Kogi State]]<br />
[[Category:Igala culture]]</div>Niger afr adm