Berom Basketry
Berom Basketry is a traditional craft of the Berom people of Plateau State, Nigeria. The craft produces woven baskets used for grain storage, agriculture, transport, and domestic purposes, reflecting the highland farming systems of the Jos Plateau.
Historical Background
The Berom inhabit the Jos Plateau, a region known for its cooler climate and long history of agriculture, including the cultivation of millet, maize, and potatoes. Basketry developed as an essential support craft, enabling the storage and transport of crops in mountainous terrain.
Historically, Berom baskets were used in local markets and exchanged with neighboring communities, contributing to regional trade networks in central Nigeria.
Materials and Construction
Berom basket makers use plant materials available in the savanna and highland environments, including:
- Grasses
- Bamboo
- Raffia fibers
- Flexible branches
Materials are harvested, dried, and woven into sturdy containers designed for durability and ventilation.
Some baskets feature reinforced rims to support heavy loads.
Functions and Uses
Traditional uses include:
- Storage of grains and dried foods
- Transporting farm produce
- Carrying firewood and household goods
- Market trade and produce display
Certain baskets are used for winnowing grain, allowing chaff to separate from edible kernels.
Cultural Significance
Basketry reflects the Berom people’s agricultural traditions and adaptation to highland environments. The craft is typically learned within families and contributes to household self-sufficiency.
Although primarily utilitarian, Berom baskets represent an important element of local material culture and ecological knowledge.
See also
References
- Netting, Robert McC. Hill Farmers of Nigeria: Cultural Ecology of the Kofyar of the Jos Plateau. University of Washington Press, 1968.
- Mangvwat, B. A. A History of the Berom People. Jos University Press, 2010.
- National Commission for Museums and Monuments (Nigeria). Traditional Crafts of the Jos Plateau. Lagos.
