https://nigeria.craftpedia.africa/index.php?action=history&feed=atom&title=Nupe_BasketryNupe Basketry - Revision history2026-04-11T15:24:10ZRevision history for this page on the wikiMediaWiki 1.45.1https://nigeria.craftpedia.africa/index.php?title=Nupe_Basketry&diff=200&oldid=prevNiger afr adm: Created page with "'''Nupe Basketry''' is a traditional craft of the Nupe people of Niger State, Nigeria. The craft produces a variety of woven containers used for agriculture, fishing, trade, and household storage, reflecting the Nupe’s historic role as riverine traders and farmers along the Niger River. == Historical Background == The Nupe Kingdom, which flourished from the 15th century onward, was a major commercial center in central Nigeria. Basketry developed as a support craft for..."2026-02-23T09:02:49Z<p>Created page with "'''Nupe Basketry''' is a traditional craft of the Nupe people of Niger State, Nigeria. The craft produces a variety of woven containers used for agriculture, fishing, trade, and household storage, reflecting the Nupe’s historic role as riverine traders and farmers along the Niger River. == Historical Background == The Nupe Kingdom, which flourished from the 15th century onward, was a major commercial center in central Nigeria. Basketry developed as a support craft for..."</p>
<p><b>New page</b></p><div>'''Nupe Basketry''' is a traditional craft of the Nupe people of Niger State, Nigeria. The craft produces a variety of woven containers used for agriculture, fishing, trade, and household storage, reflecting the Nupe’s historic role as riverine traders and farmers along the Niger River.<br />
<br />
== Historical Background ==<br />
The Nupe Kingdom, which flourished from the 15th century onward, was a major commercial center in central Nigeria. Basketry developed as a support craft for farming and trade, providing containers for transporting grains, kola nuts, and other goods to markets along the Niger River.<br />
<br />
Nupe traders used woven baskets in river transport and regional exchange networks connecting Hausaland, Yorubaland, and the Middle Belt.<br />
<br />
== Materials and Construction ==<br />
Nupe basket makers use locally available plant materials, including:<br />
<br />
* Guinea corn stalks <br />
* Raffia palm fibers <br />
* River grasses <br />
* Cane and rattan <br />
<br />
Materials are dried and woven into strong yet lightweight containers suitable for transport by canoe and on foot.<br />
<br />
Some baskets are tightly woven for grain storage, while others have open weaves for carrying produce.<br />
<br />
== Functions and Uses ==<br />
Traditional uses include:<br />
<br />
* Storage and transport of grains such as millet and sorghum <br />
* Carrying kola nuts and trade goods <br />
* Fishing-related storage and transport <br />
* Household storage and organization <br />
<br />
Large baskets are often used in river transport, where lightweight construction is essential.<br />
<br />
== Cultural Significance ==<br />
Nupe basketry reflects the community’s dual identity as farmers and traders. The craft demonstrates practical knowledge of riverine environments and supports the economic networks that historically defined Nupe society.<br />
<br />
Basket-making skills are traditionally passed down within families and remain part of rural livelihoods.<br />
<br />
== See also ==<br />
* [[Nupe people]]<br />
* [[Nupe Kingdom]]<br />
* [[Niger River trade]]<br />
* [[African basketry]]<br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
* Nadel, S. F. ''A Black Byzantium: The Kingdom of Nupe in Nigeria''. Oxford University Press, 1942.<br />
* Mason, Michael. ''Foundations of the Bida Kingdom''. Zaria, 1973.<br />
* National Commission for Museums and Monuments (Nigeria). ''Traditional Crafts of Central Nigeria''. Lagos.<br />
<br />
[[Category:Basketry]]<br />
[[Category:Nigerian crafts]]<br />
[[Category:Niger State]]<br />
[[Category:Nupe culture]]</div>Niger afr adm