500-Year Old Kano Tye And Dye Pits Become Refuse Dumps

For over 500 years, tye and  dye makers in Kano state have crouched down over circular pits in the earth to make beautiful designs from natural ingredients on fabrics that attract buyers from all over the world.

The former major producer of royal fabrics used to make attires for traditional rulers in the state; the Kofar Mata dye pit has now become a dumping ground for refuse.

The Kofar dye pits established in 1498 is said to be the oldest in Africa, and is located one kilometer away from the Emir of Kano’s Palace.

Despite the recent setback, the dying process has not changed as water and ash give its glaze and is mixed with potassium to fix the colour.

In this report Channels TV looks at how ongoing efforts by the government to reduce the number of unemployed in the country must involve resuscitating ventures like this age long traditional economic activity.

Mr. Abdullahi Zango, an expert in the art of dying explains that, hand-woven local cotton is much stronger than imported fabrics and a very profitable venture which has not been properly harnessed.