AI AND AKWETE WEAVING INDUSTRY: BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN TRADITIONAL TECHNIQUES AND DIGITALIZATION

We are leaving in an era where emphasis on digitalisation cannot be overlooked especially in this era of AI. Many industries globally and nationally are deemphasising traditional methods and embracing the new global reality known as AI. Akwete cloth weaving is a traditional Ndoki textile art practiced by Ndoki women of Ukwa/East Local Government of Abia State, Nigeria. It is one of the most popular Nigerian traditional textiles. This craft dates earlier than the 16th century but the closest recorded date remains 1500 which marked the period in which the Portuguese were trading on the Akwete and Ijebu cloths which were sold in Congo, Gold Coast and Brazil. The main trust of this paper is to investigate to what degree AI can be integrated into the Akwete weaving industry with a view to digitalizing and enhancing this traditional industry without necessarily altering the cultural significance and traditional techniques of the Akwete cloth weaving. This writer through the instrument of qualitative analysis will depend of historical oral interviews without neglecting the use of AI generated information in the conduct of this research. This researcher believes that AI will definitely enhance the Akwete cloth weaving especially in the aspects of design assistance and marketing of the products.

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