Chief & Naa

The goal of Chief & Naa is to support women artisans in northern Ghana by preserving their traditional weaving craft, and to create sustainable livelihoods in a region with limited economic opportunity.

The cloth these women produce is intricate and high-quality, yet they shared how difficult it had become to earn a reliable income from weaving alone. The question became how to gently modernize certain aspects of their work so it could appeal to a global market, while still honoring the cultural techniques passed down through generations.

By combining modern tools with the narrow looms the weavers have always used, Chief & Naa helped develop wider looms that allow them to produce fabric measuring 43” across. They also transitioned from polyester threads to sustainably grown cotton sourced from small-scale African farmers. While traditional patterns remain central to the designs, the color schemes were refined using the soft tones commonly found in local village homes.

From the beginning, their mission has been to design lasting, elegant textiles while staying true to heritage craftsmanship. By balancing tradition with thoughtful innovation, Chief & Naa now provides vital employment opportunities for women weavers as well as supporting the surrounding community.