The Isuochi Artisans: Implications of Traditional Arts and Crafts of Isuochi People for Tourism Development in Abia State, Nigeria

Abstract

Man overtime has demonstrated good knowledge of her environment, and as such explores environmental resources in other to satisfy his needs. Isuochi is a community in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State that is known to possess skills, which remained distinct with them especially in traditional arts and crafts industries. These artisans are resourceful and productive and are now almost self-sufficient people. However, traditional arts and crafts are gradually going into extinction for two reasons. First, the youths often migrate to urban areas in search of white-collar jobs and thus, the art is left solely in the hands of aged and elderly persons. Secondary, imported and second-hand materials, as well as their cheapness, has made most people not to patronise local crafts. These factors among others gave rise to our interest in documenting the traditional arts and crafts of Isuochi. It is believed that if not documented, over time, the arts would only be remembered in myths and stories as in some African phenomenon. To successfully prosecute the study, ethnographic research method was employed. The researchers also used participant-as-observer. Here, the intents and purpose of the study were made known to local craftsmen work and relevant questions useful for achieving the research objectives were asked. Enlightened Isuochi elders were also interviewed. This paper, therefore, attempts to examine the traditional arts and crafts industries in Isuochi with a view to understanding their implications for tourism development.2 Research MethodsThe method adopted for this research is an ethnographic approach. Commenting on the importance of ethnographic research Nzei, (1994) note that ethnography is very important in contemporary society's development most especially as the extent tradition cultures are fast disappearing. Ethnography, however, provides articulate its methodological presentation. This makes its discoveries to be relevant to specific methods.Therefore, in the course of this study, the researchers carried out an ethnographic study on the contemporary life of Isuochi people and this involved the collection of relevant oral information from the knowledgeable elders. The researchers also used participant-as-observer. Here, the intents and purpose of the study were made known to local craftsmen work and relevant questions useful for achieving the research objectives were asked. Enlightened Isuochi elders were also interviewed. On the other hand, pictorial pieces of evidence were used to portrayal our points. Finally, relevant library materials were also reviewed for empirical purposes.