Jukun Basketry
Jukun Basketry is a traditional craft of the Jukun people of Taraba State and parts of Benue State, Nigeria. The craft produces woven baskets used for agriculture, storage, transport, and ritual purposes, reflecting the historical importance of the Jukun in the Middle Benue region.
Historical Background
The Jukun are historically associated with the Kwararafa Confederacy (c. 16th–18th centuries), a powerful political entity in the Middle Benue region. Basketry developed as a practical craft supporting farming and trade, particularly in the cultivation of yams, grains, and other staple crops.
Woven containers were used for transporting produce to local markets and for storing food in rural settlements. Some baskets also played roles in ceremonial contexts, reflecting the Jukun’s complex ritual traditions.
Materials and Construction
Jukun basket makers use plant materials available in the savanna and riverine environments, including:
- Bamboo
- Palm fronds
- Raffia fibers
- Grasses
Materials are split and dried before weaving into strong, lightweight structures suitable for agricultural use.
Some baskets are tightly woven for storage, while others are open-weave for carrying produce.
Functions and Uses
Traditional uses include:
- Transporting yams and grains
- Storage of dried foods
- Carrying farm produce to markets
- Ritual and ceremonial uses
Certain baskets are used during harvest festivals and community ceremonies.
Cultural Significance
Basketry reflects the Jukun people’s agricultural economy and ritual life. The craft is traditionally learned within families and contributes to household self-sufficiency and community traditions.
The presence of ceremonial baskets highlights the intersection of practical craft and spiritual life in Jukun culture.
See also
References
- Afigbo, A. E. The Warrant Chiefs: Indirect Rule in Southeastern Nigeria. Longman, 1972.
- Meek, C. K. Tribal Studies in Northern Nigeria. Kegan Paul, 1931.
- National Commission for Museums and Monuments (Nigeria). Traditional Crafts of the Middle Benue Region. Lagos.
