Lave&Wenger: Vai and Gola Tailors in Liberia

From Eduwiki

Based on Goody (1989) In western Africa apprentice tailors have access to rich and sustained opportunities to observe master tailors. Production steps are structured, apprentices learn to sew by hand, and then with machines, and to press clothes. Apprentices often complete these steps in reverse, learning the finishing stages of a garment, then how to sew it, and then how to cut it out. Apprentices often have a “way in” before they practice, observing and attempting to create an approximation of the garment before they actually practice making the garment.

Summary -

The formalized apprenticeship in West Africa has developed as a result of diverse market and demand for labor. The apprenticeships who joined this trade were either members of a family, an extended family or a member of the community who would choose to learn the trades of tailoring. The master tailor take on extra apprentices outside the family to fill the growing demand. These shops are located in the commercial district. Theses apprenticeships would start as naive newcomers and within about five years of training would turn into adept tailors in their own right.

Trajectory -

The process of becoming a happened within five years. They would start learning the trade in reverse. But before doing any tailoring tasks, they would start off with ironing and hand-sewing before moving onto simple sewing tasks of making hats and underwear and informal garments for children. After which they would move on to formal garments ending with actual creating and cutting of patterns.

Community of practice -

They would belong to the community of apprentices within a community of master tailors and the market community.