View source for Tiv Basketry

'''Tiv Basketry''' is a traditional craft of the Tiv people of Benue State in central Nigeria. The craft produces durable woven containers used primarily for agriculture, food storage, and transport, reflecting the Tiv’s long-standing agrarian lifestyle in the Middle Belt region.

== Historical Background ==
Basketry has been integral to Tiv society for centuries, developing alongside yam cultivation and grain farming, which form the backbone of the Tiv economy. Farmers relied on woven baskets for harvesting, carrying, and storing crops such as yams, millet, and guinea corn.

The craft also supported local trade, as baskets were used to transport produce to village markets and regional trading centers along the Benue River.

== Materials and Construction ==
Tiv basket makers utilize locally available grasses and palm-based materials, including:

* Guinea grass  
* Raffia palm fibers  
* Palm fronds  
* Flexible branches and cane  

Materials are harvested seasonally, dried, and woven into strong, breathable structures suitable for storing agricultural produce.

Weaving styles prioritize strength and ventilation, helping to prevent spoilage of stored crops.

== Functions and Uses ==
Traditional uses of Tiv baskets include:

* Harvesting and transporting yams and grains  
* Storage of dried foods  
* Carrying firewood and farm produce  
* Household organization and storage  

Some baskets are specifically designed for winnowing grain, allowing chaff to separate from edible kernels.

== Cultural Significance ==
Basketry reflects the Tiv people’s close relationship with agriculture and seasonal cycles. The craft is traditionally learned within families and contributes to household self-reliance.

Although primarily utilitarian, Tiv baskets symbolize the importance of farming and communal labor in Tiv cultural identity.

== See also ==
* [[Tiv people]]
* [[Middle Belt Nigeria]]
* [[African basketry]]

== References ==
* Bohannan, Paul. ''Tiv Economy''. Northwestern University Press, 1968.
* Makar, T. ''The History of Political Change among the Tiv''. Fourth Dimension Publishing, 1975.
* National Commission for Museums and Monuments (Nigeria). ''Traditional Crafts of Central Nigeria''. Lagos.

[[Category:Basketry]]
[[Category:Nigerian crafts]]
[[Category:Benue State]]
[[Category:Tiv culture]]