The Isuochi Artisans: Implications of Traditional Arts and Crafts of Isuochi People for Tourism Development in Abia State, Nigeria

Man overtime has demonstrated good knowledge of her environment, and as such explores environmental resources in other to satisfy his needs. Isuochi is a community in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State that is known to possess skills, which remained distinct with them especially in traditional arts and crafts industries. These artisans are resourceful and productive and are now almost self-sufficient people. However, traditional arts and crafts are gradually going into extinction for two reasons. First, the youths often migrate to urban areas in search of white-collar jobs and thus, the art is left solely in the hands of aged and elderly persons. Secondary, imported and second-hand materials, as well as their cheapness, has made most people not to patronise local crafts. These factors among others gave rise to our interest in documenting the traditional arts and crafts of Isuochi. It is believed that if not documented, over time, the arts would only be remembered in myths and stories as in some African phenomenon. To successfully prosecute the study, ethnographic research method was employed. The researchers also used participant-as-observer. Here, the intents and purpose of the study were made known to local craftsmen work and relevant questions useful for achieving the research objectives were asked. Enlightened Isuochi elders were also interviewed. This paper, therefore, attempts to examine the traditional arts and crafts industries in Isuochi with a view to understanding their implications for tourism development. Keywords: Traditional arts and crafts, Isuochi artisans, Tourism development. DOI: 10.7176/JTHS/47-01 Publication date: February 29 th 2020