Sustainable traditional natural dyeing practice in Daboya and Ntonso communities of Ghana
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate the physical, ultraviolet (UV), colour appearance and colour fastness properties of selected fabrics dyed with natural dyes from Daboya and Ntonso communities of Ghana. The study further highlights the rich cultural heritage of traditional dyeing from these two communities. Craftsmen in West Africa especially Ghana, have sustained the traditional dyeing methods to produce textile products for consumers.
Design/methodology/approach
In this study, two sample fabrics were purchased from craftsmen at Ntonso and Daboya communities in Ghana. These fabrics were analysed at the laboratory under standard test methods for their physical, UV, colour appearance and colour fastness properties.
Findings
Results showed that all the sample fabrics have good UV shielding performance (ratings above 50+). Daboya sample fabrics (dyed with indigo dyes) produced more colour stains than the sample fabrics from Ntonso (dyed with black “kuntunkuni” dyes). The K/Ssum value or colour yield reduced after washing but that alternatively increased the calculated ultraviolet protection factor.
Practical implications
Findings from this study exposed the unique UV performance of dyed traditional fabrics (using natural dyes) from Ntonso and Daboya communities in Ghana. This inspires and enforces the need for craftsmen to improve their production cycle to produce these fabrics in different sizes which provides the necessary UV shielding abilities for consumers in the wake of climate changes.
Originality/value
This study demonstrated that the natural dyeing process at the two communities produced relatively good UV and colour fastness properties of the sample fabrics. These eco-friendly dyeing practices have survived over time to maintain and promote the concept of sustainability within the textile and fashion industry in Ghana.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank Mr Issac Oppong (a Kuntunkuni dyer) and Mr Anderson Amo (artist and opinion leader), all in the Ntonso community for providing great insights into the dyeing practice.
Funding statement: There is no funding for this study.
Data availability statement: The data that support the findings of this study are presented in this work.
Conflict of interest disclosure: The authors declared no financial or any conflict of interest in this study.
Citation
Seidu, R.K., Eghan, B., Ofori, E.A., Fobiri, G.K., Afriyie, A.O. and Acquaye, R. (2023), "Sustainable traditional natural dyeing practice in Daboya and Ntonso communities of Ghana", Research Journal of Textile and Apparel, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/RJTA-07-2023-0071
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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