RESTORING OWÉ TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE: A TECHNOLOGICAL JOURNEY OF RECLAMATION
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25159/1016-8427/716Abstract
This article narrates the paradoxical and ambivalent role of technology in the erosion and restoration of traditional life of the Owé people of Okun-Yoruba of Kogi State of Nigeria. It starts with background information of the Owé people and the description of their traditional knowledge, based on their cultural practices and values. The second section demonstrates how modernization and the advent of radio and television erode their traditional life and the consequent loss of indigenous knowledge among the younger generations. A third section traces how the loss of indigenous knowledge is gradually being restored through modern technology. Using the Owé Forum on Facebook and other activities, the efforts of the Owé people of all generations at restoring their cultural values and affirming their identity are highlighted. The article concludes by illustrating how these efforts are leading to revitalization, preservation, documentation and intellectualization of Owé traditional knowledge and culture.
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Accepted 2015-12-07
Published 2016-04-18
