AN EVALUATION OF DECORATED TRADITIONAL CLOTH USED IN TIV CULTURAL ACTIVITIES

Thesis Abstract

The study evaluated the decorated traditional cloth used in Tiv cultural activities in Benue State, Nigeria. The aim of the study was to establish the aesthetic value of Tiv traditional cloth used in cultural activities, while the objectives are to find out the educational value of Tiv traditional cloth; examine the symbolic meanings of black and white colour; and evaluate the use of the Tiv traditional cloth. To facilitate the study, three research questions were raised and answered. Related literature based on conceptual framework were reviewed which served as a road-map for the study. The survey research design was used for the study. A sample of 140 weavers was used for the study. A structured questionnaire developed by the researcher was used in collecting data from the respondents. The data collected were analysed using mean and standard deviation. From the analyses of the data, the findings showed that there is high educational value of cultural activities in relation to the black and white colours that are used on decorated Tiv traditional cloth. The black and white colours symbolize peace, fertility of the soil, harmony, authority, beauty and excellence. In addition, the usage of the decorated traditional cloth among the Tiv clan community include rituals, identity, burial ceremonies, initiation and gift. It is recommended among others that workshops and seminars be organized for weavers to adopt advanced weaving skills for mass production of decorated Tiv traditional cloth and that youth should be encouraged to use the traditional cloth to project Tiv culture and values more than it is being done currently.