Knowing the fabric-weaving landscape : information literacy practice of the weavers from the Bonwire Kente Centre in Ghana

Abstract

The socio-cultural perspective to information literacy has gained attention in Information Science, with numerous information literacy studies having been conducted in various workplace landscapes; however, not in the craft (artisanal) context. This study investigates the specific context in which Ghanaian Kente weavers (who produce a popular hand-woven fabric), are aided by information literacy practice in an informal workplace to become competent weavers. Social constructivism, as the research philosophy establishes the basis of this study. Information literacy practice and situated learning theory form the underpinning conceptual framework to explain the study. In line with the practice-based approach, this study employed ethnography as the research design. Data collection took place at the Bonwire Kente Weaving Centre, utilising participant observation and semi-structured interviews with weavers at various levels of competency. The study revealed that to successfully transition from a novice weaver to a master weaver, access to Kente information afforded by interaction and participation in the practices in the Kente-weaving landscape is essential, and includes knowledge on both on-the-loom and off-the-loom practices. The development of the expertise of Kente-weaving is enabled by the access to Kente information that constitutes the on-the-loom and off-the-loom information. The on-the-loom information includes information on stretching and tying-up, patterns setting, weaving, as well as the challenges of defects fixing. The off-the-loom information constitutes information on weft preparation, warp preparation, heddling and reeding, as well as knowledge regarding the history and traditions informing the weaving of Kente fabric. The study revealed that becoming information literate and competent in Kente weaving requires learning the correct way of using the specific tools needed in this specialised form of Kente weaving. The study also showed that the essence of becoming a competent weaver lay in understanding the role of the human senses; including sensory cues, in the process of Kente weaving. The study concluded that becoming information literate in the Kente-weaving landscape goes beyond the knowledge construction of the work of the mind of a weaver. It includes the means of accessing the Kente information through observation and participation in the off-the-loom and on-the-loom practices to develop the competence of the Kente-weaving landscape. Access to Kente information required to make a person competent weaver does not exist outside the social relations and the participation in the on-the-loom and off-the-loom practices of the Kente-weaving landscape. The study recommends that master weavers afford and create access to the lived actions of the on-the-loom and off-the-loom practices to the novice and junior weavers in the Kente-weaving landscape. Novice and junior weavers should focus on developing the know-how, know-that and know-why knowledge of the on-the-loom and off-the-loom practices, Kente fabrics and patterns. Furthermore, novice and junior weavers must train or develop their senses to an understanding of the cues of the Kente-weaving landscape. For the intended outcomes of the recommendations to be realised, the study proposes a framework for the information literacy practice of weavers.