AGBOZUME KENTE WEAVERS ASSOCIATION

QUESTIONNAIRE

*For our purpose, Agbozume area comprises Sόme, Klikor and neighbouring Anlo communities.

*The questionnaire relates to former kete weavers and weavers currently practicing the craft.

* The questionnaire was adopted in individual interviews without the presence of other respondents.

* Date of interview: 24 December 2021.

What is your name?

Benoni Dormenu.

How old are you?

60 years.

Where do you live?

Agboyiborkope.

What is your major occupation?

Trading.

Are you a kete weaver?

Yes.

How long have you been weaving?

About 30 years.

Why did you choose kete weaving as your major occupation?

It is one of the main sources of livelihood in our area.

How did you learn the craft?

I started by spinning yarn, and then I started practicing whenever my brothers went on break. So, in a nutshell I was taught by my brothers.

What type(s) of kete do you weave?

Novivↄ and kpe-evee vↄ.

Do you weave on order, or you sell the product at Agbozume market?

I sell my products at Agbozume market.

What raw materials do you use in weaving?

Yarn: cotton and miran.

How do you acquire the yarn for kete weaving?

I buy it at Agbozume market.

Do you use the yarn kadada in weaving?

Yes.

What types of designs and patterns do you weave in kete? Their names and photos

Ɖoɖo and ʋufovi.

Why do you adopt those designs?

They are the ones customers prefer.

How did you get to know the designs and patterns?

I learnt them from friends.

How old are those designs and patterns that you weave in kete?

Over 60 years.

How popular are they? Do people of Agbozume and neighbouring areas wear kete with those designs and patterns?

They are very popular, but our people do not often wear them.

Do you know any women weavers? 

Akpene Anyidoho; she has been weaving for over 10 years now.

Dofui Drafor; she has been weaving for over 8 years now.

Is kpe-evee vɔ woven today in Agbozume and neighbouring areas?

Yes, at places like Tackscorner and Srohume.

Are there any obstacles discouraging the kete industry in Agbozume area?

Yes, there is the problem of frequent increase in the price of yarn, while the price of the kete remains the same for a long time.

In your opinion, how should those problems be resolved?

Government should step in and set up a wholesale yarn store around Agbozume to supply weavers at reasonable prices.

Why do you think the kete industry in Agbozume and neighbouring areas has survived up till now?

It is a major sources of livelihood for the people.

What is the importance of Agbozume market in the kete industry of southern Volta Region of Ghana?

Its proximity to kete weavers helps to save money which would otherwise be used as transport fare to Accra or Kumasi to sell their products.