20 June @marinnewest's Freewrite Writing Prompt Day 2773: We Can't Import It.

This is my post for #freewriters2773 #dailyprompt we can't import it hosted by @marinnewest's.

A people proud of their culture and way of life lived in the tiny village of Ekom, which was tucked away between verdant hills and dense forests. Known for their distinctive Ikpam woven fabric, the villagers thought it had profound ancestral significance in addition to being beautiful. Each thread narrated a tale of harvests, triumphs, and even tears.
One day, Ekom was visited by a wealthy city merchant. Admiring the Ikpam cloth, he made the villagers an offer after realising its market value. "Why not import a similar fabric from China instead of spending days weaving this one by hand?" he asked. It is faster, less expensive, and has the same appearance. He took out bright, machine-perfect, glossy samples. A few villagers let out a gasp. The patterns were perfect and the colours were crisp.
Some of the elders scowled. The oldest weavers in Ekom, Elder Mfon, stood up to talk. When he held up a piece of Ikpam, his hands, which had been polished and worn from decades of weaving, shook a little.
He said, "This cloth is not just for covering the body." It contains the essence of our people. We pray while we weave. We remember when we colour. Every thread travels through memories, love, and pain. That cannot be imported.
The businessman laughed. However, nobody outside of Ekom will be able to tell the difference.
"We will," said Elder Mfon. And that is sufficient.
It tore some of the villagers. They were lured by the prospect of lower-cost production during difficult times. However, something occurred in the weeks that followed. After sitting with the elders, a young woman named Eka, who had never woven before, learnt the art. Kids congregated to observe their parents and grandparents at work. Once-sung songs by their ancestors made a comeback to the weaving huts.
After a while, the merchant left after his offer was rejected.
Years later, Ikpam became well-known outside the area—not for being flawless, but for being genuine. Visitors came not only to purchase it but also to witness its creation, hear the tales, and sense the spirit that permeates every square inch.
Elder Mfon's adage, "We can import machines, clothes, even food—but not soul," nevertheless persisted in Ekom. not arrogance. Not Ikpam. We can’t import that.”
Ekom opted for tradition over imitation when confronted with quick profits and outside influence. They were able to preserve something that no factory could ever duplicate.