From onset, Rivers women are known for traditional wrappers, it is their pride and identity. This rightly distinguished them from other women in the society, though tying traditional wrappers is almost becomimg a trend in this part of the world.
The ability of Rivers women to infect wrapper-syndrome modern women fashion is truly commendable. It has not only sustained this rich culture, it has also transcended it even to generations coming.
Nonetheless, we won’t fail to portray that traditional wrappers is the Rivers woman legacy.

History of Traditional Wrappers

One may want to ask how the relationship between the rivers woman and wrapper began; history told us that the colonial masters first landed in the seaports of the Ijaws (Bonny, Okrika, Kalabari etc.) and wrappers were one of the baits given to kings in exchange for slaves or as loyalty. We can imagine how prestigious wrapper was at that time; only the royal bloods were found clothed in it.
To women from other tribes and ethnicities, their modality of choosing wrapper for an occasion lies in colours and designs. For true Rivers women, each wrapper is symbolic, and can only be tied on specific occasions. E.g the Okrika’s, Kalabari’s, Opobo’s and Bonny’s have specific wrappers for burial ceremony, traditional marriage etc.

In some places, Bonny to be precise, there is a special ceremony carried out before women begin to tie specific wrappers. It is very serious and strictly adhered. A full born Bonny woman, who hav’nt underwent such ceremony can be embarrassed outside, if such wrapper was seen on her waist. But an Ikwerre or Efik woman can tie same wrapper anytime, anywhere, anyhow!

Names of Traditional Wrappers in Rivers State

The list of traditional wrappers is almost endless only few Rivers women who grew with their grannies could attempt listing ten. We would do well to list more; we have India, Loko, Damas, Krukrubite, Gom, Loko gom, Akwammiri (Akwette), Accra, Fun, Onungwa, Ikaki, George, Feni, Ikpo, Velvet and others.
Though every Ijaw woman ties any of these listed wrappers, there are some specially linked to specific ethnic groups. The Krukrubite, Loko are linked to the Kalabari’s, The India wrapper to the Bonny’s, while the Feni and Ikpo belongs mainly to the Okrika’s. And the style of tying them varies, an Andoni woman ties differently from an Ogoni woman.

Dynamics of Traditional Wrapper

Before you compare a western woman’s attire to that of a Rivers woman, here’s the current market price of some wrappers. A complete India wrapper ranges from a 150k to 300k; while an original yard of feni ranges from 15k to 20k.
It would interest you to note that a woman who want to tie a complete two waist of feni as it’s called would need 5-6 yards. Remember she would also need a blouse, shoe or sandals and other accessories to complete the dressing. When next you see a Rivers woman fully dressed in her native attire, give her kudos.

The reason why this heritage would live for eternity is because Rivers women can’t escape dressing up in traditional wrappers, especially when she is from the Ijaw tribe. Traditional wrapper await hers; her traditional marriage day, child dedication, father’s/mother’s/ husband or relative burial, except any of these is done in London, Amsterdam or Kuwait.
Truly traditional wrappers is a Rivers woman heritage. These wrappers are very valuable, that it is carefully shared amongst sister when their mother leaves earth. Those same sisters leave it for their children as their journey on earth completes too. Not only are the wrappers transferred; the pattern of tying it is also transferred.
Rivers women have visibly fought very hard in keeping this culture alive. If 20 Rivers couple is going for a church service etc. 17 of the women will dress in traditional wrapper while 19 of the men would wear western outfit. This is an evidence that Rivers women instill culture on their daughters more than the men. Congratulations to all Rivers women


https://phmag.com.ng/traditional-wrapper-how-rivers-women-preserved-this-heritage/

i love culture

I still some krukrubite,i got from my grandmom.

U need to see me in it with my white etibo.

#Datbonnyson

How's did d phrase "woman wrapper" originate