INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE SYSTEMS IN TRADITIONAL TEXTILE TECHNIQUES AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY: PERSPECTIVES FROM NIGERIA

Abstract

The terms “indigenous knowledge†and “traditional knowledge†are often used interchangeably to describe the knowledge systems developed by a community1. Indigenous knowledge makes a tremendous contribution to the economic development of communities. This knowledge is passed on from generation to generation and forms part of a people’s cultural and spiritual identity.2It exists in diverse contexts including agricultural, medicinal, ecological, but also technical. Traditional textile techniques of dyeing, weaving and embroidering are part of a relevant example in indigenous communities of Nigeria. The practices have evolved over the centuries out of communities’ interaction with the local environment. The present paper underlines indigenous knowledge in textile techniques in Nigeria. The paper firstly provides a survey of the traditional textile techniques from knowledge systems within few regions of Nigeria. The paper then questions the capacity of the patent system to enhance local economic development through the recognition of such knowledge systems. The paper concludes with recommendations for appropriate safeguard and protection for indigenous knowledge†and “traditional knowledge†systems in line with international standards in the field by foreign jurisdictions and the African Regional Organisation of Intellectual Property, ARIPO.