Ghana & United Kingdom, Boon & Up, Weaving

Boon & Up represent a collective of thirty women in Lawra in the far north of Ghana who weave cotton fabric by the metre on traditional narrow two-shaft looms. Over the decades the fabric has been used to create traditional men and women’s smocks that are seen across the north of Ghana. However, harsh changes in the climate of northern Ghana have led to an ongoing impoverishment of the region and demand for smocks has fallen. They have adapted their looms in order that the weavers can now create wider fabric that is up to 110cm in width, suitable for overseas consumers. The weavers refer to a fabric book of forty different traditional patterns for all their inspiration, and the colours of the cotton yarn directly references the colours the Dagaare people paint their houses. Embroiderers then add embellishments to the cloth to create throws and tablecloths.

To follow the story of Boon & Up, find them on social media here.