These machine--spun yarns also provided more color variation than the traditional white, brown, and indigo. Even today, many women rely on weaving to earn money. In fact, there are craft festivals in other cities where Ebira weavers can sell their fabrics for profit. I was fortunate to attend the Goge Africa festival in Lagos, the largest city in Nigeria, and partner with an Ebira weaving business. I helped to assist them with displaying their brightly colored, detailed clothing and see how they operate!
The Ebira weaving tradition is very connected to the natural environment! Although most weavers rely on machine--spun cotton purchased at stores, there are still individuals that use local cotton that is grown and harvested from a farm, to hand--spin their yarn. One organization I work with owns farmland in Okene and Abuja. These farms grow cotton that the weavers will gin (remove seeds) and spin (twist into yarn). By using local plants, the weaving tradition promotes environmental sustainability one thread at a time!
