on October 15, 2020 No Comments
What is Raffia?
Raffia are fibers obtained from the leaves of the raffia palm, used for tying plants and other objects and for making mats, baskets, hats, and the like.
Raffia palm a palm tree, Raphia ruffia, native to Madagascar, that has large plumelike leaves, the stalks of which yield a useful fibre. the fibre obtained from this plant, used for tying, weaving, etc. any of several related palms or the fibre obtained from them.
Raffia fibre is widely used throughout the world. It is used in twine, rope, baskets, placemats, hats, shoes, and textiles. The fiber is produced from the membrane on the underside of each individual frond leaf.
RAFFIA CRAFTS IN NIGERIA
In Nigeria, especially in the Northern parts of the country, raffia crafts is an order of the day. Raffia crafts is another work of art that has made the state a household name. Raffia belts, hats, shoes and handbags are the products. Other raffia products include Lawyers Wigs, toys and furnishings.
In other parts of the country such as Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, the home of local raffia industry. A major tourist attraction in the state is the Raffia-Co-operative Stores at Ikot Ekpene whiich is popular for the raffia crafts and masquerades. Akwa Ibom is known all over the country and beyond for her captivating works of art, of which craft making is at the forefront. These crafts are products of natural and man-made plants found in Akwa Ibom State. Among these crafts are Dolls, toys, ritual objects and puppets. Bamboo from raffia palm is cut and marked to represent dolls for female children to play with. At the developed level, the soft wood Ukpo is delicately carved into ritual objects used by female fertility cults which are often beautifully painted with white clay, earth colours and enamels. Dolls are used in sacrificial rites for childbirth and to appease ‘Eka Abasi’ to lay her hands off a sick baby.
WHERE TO BUY RAFFIA CRAFTS IN NIGERIA?
At Crafts Village Nigeria, we house an array of Raffia products ranging from bags, hats, baskets, placemats, wall decor, and other functional and gift items made from Raffia. CraftsVillage™ MarketHUB is an online art shop/marketplace that offers art enthusiasts a convenient platform to buy their favourite creative items such as Local Arts & Crafts, Sculptures, Portrait Paintings, Fashion, Textiles, Home & Office Interior Decors, Art tools and several other Artistic Products/Services with nationwide doorstep delivery across Nigeria.
Visit our studio store to buy directly from shelf or shop online at the CraftsVillage™ MarketHUB and enjoy nationwide doorstep delivery at lowest rates. Click this button below to go to our online marketplace to start shopping!
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