Social Cohesion and Identity in Intangible Cultural Heritage of Kofar Mata Dyed Cloth Kano

Abstract

This thesis is aim at acknowledge the role of intangible cultural heritage (ICH)Kofar Mata plays in exhibiting and building local identity, enhancing community cultural sustainability and provide a sense of place. The research is also to highlight, find out the connection between the dyed cloths of Kofar Mata Kano and the social cohesion attached to it. We carried out the research with a local community in Kano Municipal Council Kano (Northern Nigeria). The interpretative analysis of the phenomenological study resource was gathered from one of the famous local traditional dyeing pits centre in North-west Nigeria, which provide focus for the discourse. The data collected was gathered from 12 informants through some engagement techniques, such as; Deep Engagement Techniques (In-depth interview) and Broad Engagement Techniques (Focus Group Discussion), which show enormous enlightenment of how, ICH is playing a significant role in the life of the communities in Kano. In our findings, it shows how these social cohesion processes are applied and how it appears to benefit the ICH sector in Kano Nigeria. By encouraging continuous engagement in the ICH skill practice, encourage community participation. This has contributed in the continuous efforts in safeguarding the intangible cultural heritage that boost their sense of pride and identity. However, with community involvement in safeguarding and promoting practices of ICH, it has contributed in bringing people from various parts of Nigeria and foreign into a melting pot for this outstanding universal value which has significantly improve the social cohesion of the community Kano State even beyond.