There, I learn how to use the Oguntoro (vertical single--heddle loom) to make Ebira cloth. In Ebira tradition, it is common for an apprentice (new learner) to learn how to weave with the help of their mother or grandmother at home. As an apprentice with no relatives to teach me, I have to pay for lessons to learn the tradition. This allows Mrs. Ovavu to build wealth and business from her weaving knowledge.
My first lesson aimed to help me become comfortable with the intricate movements of weaving. Once seated on a chair with my legs positioned about shoulder width apart, I grabbed the Okaha (stick) that pushes the horizontal yarns securely in place. In American terminology, these horizontal yarns are called “wefts” and this stick is the “beater” or “batten.”
The following step required me to pull the Ochi--aya (a thin wooden stick wrapped in threads) that was attached to the vertical yarns (“warps”) on the loom. This pulling action separated each warp to form an opening for me to insert the Okaha. In Ebira tradition, there is only one Ochi--aya, a "heddle,” on an Oguntoro, which explains why Oguntoro is known as a “vertical single--heddle loom.” The loom is vertical because weavers install and use it in an upright position.
The next movement was the most challenging for me. This movement involved sliding the Okaha behind the warps attached to Ochi--aya. When pulling the heddle, there was a lot of resistance. This resistance is what makes the weaving tradition a labor--intensive one.
