28/11/2025
Trekakɛ (the broken calabash)
This cloth is called Trekakɛ (the broken calabash). it belongs to the quasi-Titriku class, maintaining the typical three-inch width and the block colour of solid red. However, the complexity of its construction diverges from the standard Titriku, as the weaver uses two pairs of heddles rather than one. The heddle set closer to the be**er leashes every other warp thread, creating a warp-faced structure. Meanwhile, the second pair of heddles, positioned furthest from the weaver, groups the warps into units of four. This sophisticated mechanism allows the weaver to use the distant heddles to create the solid, ribbed texture of the red block, where the weft thread is completely hidden by the warps. The heddle closest to the weaver is then used to weave the standard warp-faced sections.
This cloth highlights the often-overlooked utilitarian value of items and people society may undervalue. It serves as a reminder that the least powerful members of society are essential, particularly when their combined strength coalesces around a common aim. The solid red is a touching reminder of the sacrifices individuals must make for the liberation of the collective. The use of green, yellow, and black signifies diversity, underscoring the critical importance of representing and hearing the voices of all, especially those at the margins of society. ~George Grandy(PhD)
📸 Wisdom Kofi Datsomor
