Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The traditional Hausa cloths of Sokoto and Kebbi States in Nigeria represent a rich cultural heritage that reflects the historical, social, and religious aspects of the Hausa people. This research project aims to provide a comparative collection of traditional Hausa cloths from Sokoto and Kebbi States to explore the unique designs, patterns, and techniques employed in their production. The study will involve fieldwork to document and analyze the traditional cloths worn by the Hausa people in these two states. The research will focus on identifying the key characteristics that distinguish the traditional cloths of Sokoto from those of Kebbi, including the types of fabrics used, the methods of dyeing and printing, and the motifs and symbols incorporated into the designs. By conducting interviews with local weavers, dyers, and artisans, the project aims to gain insights into the cultural significance of these cloths and the traditional practices that have been passed down through generations. Through a comparative analysis of the traditional cloths of Sokoto and Kebbi States, this research will contribute to the documentation and preservation of Hausa cultural heritage. By highlighting the similarities and differences in the designs and techniques used in the production of these cloths, the study aims to deepen our understanding of the artistic traditions of the Hausa people and their role in shaping their cultural identity. In addition to the fieldwork and data collection, the project will also involve the curation of a comparative collection of traditional Hausa cloths from Sokoto and Kebbi States. This collection will serve as a valuable resource for researchers, scholars, and enthusiasts interested in studying the cultural heritage of the Hausa people and the traditional textiles of Northern Nigeria. Overall, this research project seeks to shed light on the unique artistic traditions of the Hausa people in Sokoto and Kebbi States through a comparative study of their traditional cloths. By documenting and analyzing these cultural artifacts, the study aims to raise awareness of the rich cultural heritage of the Hausa people and the significance of traditional textiles in preserving their cultural identity.

Thesis Overview

1.0 INTRODUCTION1.1 BACKGROUND OF STUDYNigeria, among other African countries is known for her different varieties of traditional cloths ranging from one ethnic group to the other. The evidence can be seen from all the thirty six states in Nigeria; the clothing style of the eastern Nigeria differs from that of the northern Nigeria as so on.Clothing is anything placed on the body to adorn or to motivate behaviour (John and Foster, 1990). It includes all the different garments, accessories or ornaments worn by people as well as their make-up and styles. Theories have attempted to explain the motivation factors underlying clothing choices and decision. Such theories include: modesty, immodesty, protection and adornment theories (Marshal Jackson, Stanley, Kefgen and Touchie 2000). Modesty theory focuses on standard regarding the area of the anatomy to be concealed and state that clothes are worn solely to conceal or cover nakedness (Marshal et al. 2000). Various cultures have rules about modesty that relate to their use of clothing. The immodesty theory on the other hand states that clothing is not to cover nakedness but to attract attention. The argument here is that wearing of garment is far erotic than in going without them (Marshal et al. 2000). The protection theory view physical protection and psychological protection as major reasons of purpose of wearing clothes.Dress or clothing is a kind of garment worn by people of all cultures since pre-historic times. Different peoples of the world have their unique dress culture. The materials used for making dresses range from cotton, wool, silk fabric to flax fabric and rubber. Dresses that people in all cultures wear are determined by a number of factors. The main factor that has determined, and is still determining, the variety of clothes in different times and locations, is climate (Braun, 2005). In Nigeria for instance, we have the rainy season and the dry season, with their characteristic cold and hot temperature. Dress culture therefore has to bow to the prevailing weather condition. Dress culture has also been affected by changing styles or fashion in vogue. Other factors that influence the dress that people wear are the availability of materials, cost of materials, technology of the period, peoples’ social status, human migration, religious tradition, assimilation of various traditions, social cosmopolitan outlook or modernity, travels and perhaps colonization, conversion and nationalism.The study will consider the Northern Nigeria especially the Hausa clothing style taking into consideration Sokoto and Kebbi state.1.2 STATEMENT OF RESEARCH PROBLEMThe problem associated with the difference in style and fashion of clothing style in Nigeria is due to the style of weaving.The styles and patterns of dressing are largely determined by variables like group dynamics cum peer group relationship, weather, event, ethical dressing code (such as law and medical student) etc. Despite these and other variable certain types of dressing by the ladies in particular tend to have disastrous effect on their male counterparts, lecturers, and the society hence negative motives may be developed generally through cursory looking. Beside, most of the attitude and behaviour towards dressing, at times by the female students do not conform to moral standard thereby, debasing the human value, norm and standard. As a result, the cherished cultural norms and values are highly abused and relegated to the background, according to Best (2002), this negative trend in dressing is an indication of poor parental upbringing, low level of cultural and religious values and practices. The cultural practice in Nigeria is the major cause of the variation in clothing style. Take the Northern Nigeria for instance, the Hausas in Kebbi weaves their cloth in different manner compared to that of Sokoto and vice visa.1.3 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF STUDYThe main aim of the research work is to examine the carryout a comparative collection of Hausa cloths of Sokoto State and Kebbi State. Other specific objectives of the study are stated below as follows:To examine the effect of cultural differences on the clothing style of Sokoto and Kebbi stateTo examine the weaving style/pattern on the nature of traditional clothsTo investigate on the factors affecting the quality of productionTo examine the effect of individual style on preference of Sokoto or Kebbi State cloth collectionTo proffer solution to the above problem1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONSThe study came up with research question in order to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research question are stated below as follows:What is the effect of cultural differences on the clothing style of Sokoto and Kebbi state?What is the weaving style/pattern on the nature of traditional cloths?What are the factors affecting the quality of production?What is the effect of individual style on preference of Sokoto or Kebbi State cloth collection?1.5 STATEMENT OF RESEARCH HYPOTHESISH0: there is no difference in the quality and weaving pattern between Hausa cloths from Sokoto and that of Kebbi StateH1: there is difference in the quality and weaving pattern between Hausa cloths from Sokoto and that of Kebbi State1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDYThe study traditional Hausa cloth: a comaparative collection of Sokoto and Kebbi state will be of immense benefit to the entire Kebbi and Sokoto State as it will discuss the difference in weaving style and individual preferences.1.7 SCOPE OF STUDYThe study on traditional Hausa cloth is limited to only Sokoto and Kebbi State, looking into their various collection of traditional clothing style and weaving pattern.1.8 LIMITATIONS OF STUDYFinancial constraint- Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).Time constraint- The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work.1.9 DEFINITION OF TERMSCLOTH: woven or felted fabric made from wool, cotton, or a similar fibreREFERENCESAbina, A. A. (2002). Oral interview on Yoruba cultural dress Kaduna: A filier from the National Commission for Colleges of Education. Adelena, R. (2002). The plight of youth in a morally decadent society: Nigeria as a case study. The Sage Magazine 15, 115-8344, 28. Akingba, J.B., & Adeniyi, O. (1987). Human reproduction. Yaba: NERDC Printing Press. Akubua, J. N. (2002). Preference for clothing styles among female undergraduates in University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Research Issues in Home Economics 184-189. Anyakoha, E. & Eluwa, M. (1991). Home management for schools and colleges. Onitsha, Nigeria: Africana P. 144. Arkhrst, A. E. (2001). University of Nsukka undergraduate students perception of good grooming: Challenges for home economics a publication of the postgraduate students union. Enugu: Pearl Functions Limited PP.52-57. Bakut, G. (1997). Fashion and dressing in our campuses. Champions March 5th . Behling, D. & Williams, E.A. (1991). Influence of dress on perception of intelligence and expectation of scholastic achievement. Clothing and Textile Research Journal 9(4), 1 - 7.