The Okene Textile

The cloth takes its name from the town of Okene, which historically acted as the central trading hub of the cloth. Okene cloth is typically woven by women in a domestic setting and produced on a vertical, single-heddle loom. It is known locally as ita-inochi. Okene cloth has a centuries-long history in the region, and by the middle of the 20th century the loom was still a common feature in most Ebira households. Okene is the commercial nerve centre of Kogi State. Strategically & centrally located, it serves as the link between the East, South, and North of Nigeria, thereby earning Okene the name Link City. Nestled beneath the historic hills are Ebira people who value their culture and are also known to be innovative, hardworking, conscientious, and loving.

The Ebira Woman is highly industrious, and commerce is part of her everyday life. This includes weaving, craft-making, and trading. Weaving is not just a source of income, it is considered an integral part of her culture & tradition. Teaching a young girl to weave is considered grooming for her future home. This makes weaving an interesting and essential part of every home in Ebiraland.

The woven fabrics from Ebiraland are a very beautiful show of the weaving prowess of the Ebira woman and you can shop them here