GENDER-BASED TEXTILE-WEAVING TECHNIQUES OF THE AMHARA IN NORTHERN ETHIOPIA

Abstract

In the northern area of Amhara, weavers produce a garment worn by many, made from a pure white, transparent woven material. Many weavers across Africa, including those in northern Ethiopia, are men. They are both full-time and migrant, the latter coming from the countryside during the slack farming season. Moreover, in Bahir Dar, the capital of Amhara, many prisoners weave the textile, in conformance with the division of labor system to receive an income during the terms of their sentences. Therefore, textile weaving in this area is not limited to skilled craftsmen (full-time weavers); even the unskilled such as prisoners and migrants have the opportunity to weave. However, Amhara's textile weaving industry is male-dominated; women are only involved in spinning the cotton thread in preparation for the weaving. This paper focuses on the weaving techniques and features of Amhara's textiles. Additionally, it investigates whether women's involvement in textile weaving can be expanded.