Indigenous Textile Research Center (ITRC-EiTEX)

Indigenous Textile Research Center EiTEX (ITRC-EiTEX)

“Remember Our Origin of Textile Arts”

1. Background 

Indigenous Textile research Centre is a textile art of decorative, ceremonial, practical, or conceptual research artworks created by indigenous peoples of Ethiopia using plant, animal, or synthetic fibers are. It is wonderful to see ancient people continue to grow and capture the world’s attention. Indigenous artists' use of color, pattern and textile techniques which are truly unique and their designs represent country, culture and Stories that are shared through textiles and fashion. Woven fabric, bark cloth, knitting, embroidery, skin-sewing, beadwork, dyeing, finishing and other related media are all considered textile arts. Although textiles have been made by humans since the beginning of civilization, many of them are brittle and quickly crumble. Only certain types of environmental conditions can preserve ancient textiles.   

In line with the vision of the university in global terms and current differentiation of national assignment the ITRC is launched among other development programs to excel in research and dissemination activities aimed at providing efficient support to the textile and apparel related sectors. The centre is organized to provide research experts and well-trained academia in textile fibres, yans, fabrics and textile wet process science with support of high value-added manufacturing markets and sectors. 

The centre is expected to provide efficient support to the textile and apparel hand-based machines, industries, and agricultural sectors, educational, research and related institutions. On the spot at the ground the ITRC is engaged on research support at advanced education, problem solving and transferable research and training; and outcome-based dissemination in terms of scientific publications and academic seminars at symposium, conferences and research-oriented workshops. 

Therefore, through the inspiration of different indigenous collection of textiles, garments, colorations this research center is aimed for different new concepts and modification for local community members which could pursue their interest in art by considering different end uses.

2. Vision and mission of ITRC

2.1. Vision 

The vision of this center is to become one of the top five research and training Center in Ethiopia by 2034.

 2.2. Mission

To create suitable environment by which researchers scale-up their academic excellence and potentials by involving in an indigenous textile research center and transferring or dissemination acquired knowledge and skills in a systematic way contributing towards the community sustainability development and socio-economic prosperity of the country/continent.

3. Rationale of ITRC 

In recent years, Ethiopia is giving a vital role in the manufacturing sector in the national development with global involving enhancement. In parallel with the deemed requirement the availability quality materials for the production of high value-added materials for diversified fields such as in textile and apparel sector, medical, environmental, agricultural and multiple industrial sectors is limited. Among the various needs to satisfy the current policy-based requirements is creating specialized professionals and researchers which support the stake holders to maximize their involvement in producing high value-added products with impact in regional and global terms. This ultimately creation of specialized professions intended to work on specific research and dissemination to address the critical demands and also need to preserve indigenous textile production techniques.          

In our county the progress of using different technology products in our country is becoming an important in different scenarios. But in recent years indigenous products are decreasing especially using manmade textile materials with coloration which realized beneficiation from product substitution point of view in addition to the allied social and economic impact. Globally, a boost in the textile manufacturing and apparel sector through textile research is benefiting countries via creation of new value chains from textile natural fibers. Based on the above all the contribution to local, national and global era in training, research and dissemination will be indispensable which encompasses versatile indigenous textile products for social development, economic driving force and preserve other cultural and heritages values.

4. Objectives of the Research Centre 

The Center is a professional organization established by Ethiopian Institute of Textile and Fashion Technology, Bahir Dar University mainly for Teaching/learning, Research and Community service with a view to addressing the objectives as explained below; 

♦ To develop technical and economic feasibility of the production process of textiles.

♦ Conduct intensive research in using natural textile resources for different applications

♦ To contribute the better socio-economic and technological advancement of Ethiopia.

♦ To build centre of excellence in indigenous textiles research areas.  

♦ To develop research capacity of researchers in EiTEX, Bahir Dar University.  

♦ To promote academic contacts between professional from Bahir Dar University with those of other experts, institutions and countries to increase the capacity. 

♦ To aware the communities about this field and create job opportunities by giving training.

♦ To educate students, staffs, and other public about indigenous concepts for social and economic advantages. 

♦ Design a platform/technique for implementation of textile manufacturing. 

♦ Provide indigenous textile groups consultancy to community and academia stakeholders  

♦ Provide qualified experts in the area of indigenous textile fibre science and technology

♦ Development of high value-added textile materials for diversified applications.

♦ Maintaining the awareness of different cultural apparels of the country.

5. Scope of the center

The research center shall be mandated to the following major services. 

♦ To conduct applied and basic research as it desires to be scenter of excellence for indigenous and conventional textile related issues in Ethiopia and abroad.  

♦ Study and give awareness of different cultural clothing of Ethiopia. 

♦ Consultancy, advisory community services in natural textile resources.  

♦ To participate in the development and extension service by model practices establishment for support of the country development.   

♦ Giving in short term training for the students in the University and other communities for job opportunities and having specialized professionals attitude in the area of this center.

♦ To be organized different subgroups of this research center in the institute/University.

6. Organogram of Indigenous Textile Research Centre (ITRC- EiTEX) 

7. Focus areas of the ITRC

7.1. Textile Fiber 

Natural fibers have gained importance in the recent years mainly due to their Eco friendliness and their potential availability as raw materials for textile industries. In this center research group cotton and silk fibers the main focusing thematic areas based on their wide application and availability in Ethiopia. The research group expected to study from farming area of fibers till the end use of the product mainly in Ethiopia and we can use other researchers’ study about these fibers extraction and characterization for conduct the possible utilization in textile and related industrial applications. This research group focus on organizing the center, researchers and implementation for the regional and national development of Ethiopia are critical.  The study areas of the research groups of the center might be increased as per the interest of the researchers in the center, institute and the university stakeholders.  

7.2.  Spinning 

In recent years a range of peoples who have been doing hand carding, roving/spinning techniques are low which have been adopted by some of remote Indigenous communities including the creation of textiles, especially Indigenous women for their own clothes. Since then, many of modern textile spinning techniques have been introduced and the vibrant designs of the Indigenous techniques which have captured attention nationally and internationally. So, this research center aims to motivate the hand spinning methods for the production of textile fabrics.

 7.3. Fabric 

Textile products are experiencing something of a resurgence. In recent years, entrepreneurs and designers have been incorporating them in different applications of daily life. But due to the world civilization and globalization, it is going be hard to see the indigenous fabric products considering our country Ethiopia. Accordingly, this research groups center is aims to preserve culture, diversity and environment, to appreciate our indigenous groups ‘of intricate knowledge and different hand weaving and knitting design products at fair prices and other aspects also considered. It is a great opportunity to help our community.

7.4. Textile Dyeing, Printing and Finishing 

Generations of native peoples used natural materials like plants, minerals, and even insects to dye and color their clothes using age-old techniques. They have been dyeing, painting and printing designs on clothes and textiles with natural colorants for centuries. Ancient native peoples and some of recently have used indigenous color of natural dye to decorate their clothing and textiles without the use of synthetic dyes. The target of indigenous dyeing and coloration is to promote the eco-friendly and sustainable approach of using natural resources rather than synthetic. Even the extraction process is complex, natural dyes are safe to use on skin, but synthetic dyes can cause rashes, allergies, and other related skin irritations.  Therefore, based on these concepts Indigenous Textile dyeing, painting, printing and other finishing techniques of Research Center is need to organize in our institute (EiTEX) in order to indigenous communities allow to connect with nature and our cultural heritages, in addition to being good for our environment.

7.5. Traditional Clothing/Apparels

The distinctive history and rich cultural legacy of different parts of Ethiopia are reflected in traditional clothing. These clothes frequently convey stories of long-standing customs, regional artistry, and the distinctive ways that local community have adapted to their surroundings. Every article of traditional clothing has a purpose and symbolizes the pride and uniqueness of its people. 

8. Expected Outcomes/outputs, Benefits and Beneficiaries

8. 1. Expected outcomes/Outputs

Trained community about the components of the center

♦ Improve the scientific fibre cultivation methods. 

♦ To obtain manmade fabrics/woven and knitted. 

♦ Expected to obtain textile product with value addition. 

♦ Characterization and grading of fibres, yarn and other textiles.

♦ Organized research group centres.  

♦ Increases the quality of indigenous textile products.  

♦ Wise use of natural textile materials.

♦ Give high value for the indigenous field and profession. 

♦ Create job opportunities/Initiate entrepreneurship.  

8. 2. Benefits and Beneficiaries

♦ For preserve culture, diversity and environment by appreciate our indigenous groups.

♦ For sustainability of different parts of country cultural apparels.

♦ To motivate researchers in EiTEX, Bahir Dar University. 

♦ For the development of socio-economic for the community. 

♦ To increase the quality of raw materials and production for textile industry.

♦ For the development of country economy.    

♦ Opportunities for different joint research and technology transfer.

Summary

This research center provides a source of livelihood for indigenous communities, enabling them to maintain their economic independence and cultural autonomy. The textile arts of indigenous are an embodiment of cultural diversity, showcasing a wide range of techniques, materials, and designs and tells a story of the people who created it. These creations reflect the artisans’ profound connection to nature, their reverence for ancestors, and their deep understanding of the land they inhabit. They remind us of the importance of cultural heritage, the value of traditional knowledge, and the beauty that can be found in diversity. By recognizing and celebrating these remarkable works of art, we honor the indigenous peoples who have dedicated their lives to preserving their cultural traditions through exquisite craftsmanship, ensuring that their stories continue to be told for generations to come. 

By appreciating and supporting indigenous textile and fabric arts, we not only admire the beauty of these creations but also contribute to the preservation of our cultural diversity and the empowerment of indigenous communities.