Akwete of a Different Kind - Old Meets New

Early in 2022, Achenyo along with two weavers from Ebira land visited Idah in the North Central part of Nigeria to explore weaving water hyacinth on vertical looms. This visit sparked local interest and community members marveled that an age-old fast dying tradition was was being reintroduced with a new weaving yarn – woven water hyacinth. This motivated Achenyo to start exploring new means of increasing the earning potential of the Artisans whilst preserving the tradition of loom weaving. Her research led to the discovery of Akwete cloth, a unique handwoven apparel textile with motifs produced in the Eastern part of Nigeria. Akwete cloth is usually made of cotton thread, and the decorative motifs are produced with cotton threads of a heavier texture or rayon silk. Most Akwete designs or motifs are by the inspiration of the weaver. This Home collection is adopting the Akwete weaving technique using new materials - woven water hyacinth, a natural fiber material and fish twine both of which have never been used in the history of Akwete weaving. The items in this collection will be used to adorn the home and not the body as the traditional Akwete cloth. The water hyacinth will be woven by Artisans in Idah while the tapestries, mats and runners will be woven by Artisans from Akwete.