Exploiting techniques in Asante indigenous hand embroidery for Adinkra cloth production

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Date
2012-06-19
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Abstract
Adinkra cloth production is one of the common textiles surface designing found among Asantes today. Adinkra cloths are becoming increasingly useful and people are now developing interest on the use and preservation of this traditional textile. Even though Adinkra cloths serve as a representation of the history, culture, norms and values of the Asante people in symbolic form, this area of Asante traditional textile has not been given enough recognition. Moreover, there are other aspects of the “Nwomu” technique that needs to be exploited. In view of this, the study identified and developed some design concepts as well as incorporates symbols and motifs in the Adinkra cloth using the “Nwomu” technique. Comprehensive studies were made on the origin of Adinkra cloths as well as the art of “Nwomu” among Asantes. Design concepts were developed from existing “Nwomu” techniques, geometric shapes, totems, kente designs as well as adinkra symbols. These designs were carefully selected and exploited to suit the purpose of the study. Some samples were also produced to give more understanding on the subject. The study employed both descriptive and experimental research methods based on the qualitative research approach. As part of the study the researcher observed that the symbols and colours used in the production of Adinkra cloths are representation of the cultural values of the people of Asante and not fully abstracted objects. Indigenous cloths such as Birisi, Kobene, Kuntukuni, and Nwomu are all part of “Adinkra cloth collections”. A study into indigenous cloths such as the Adinkra cloth should be encouraged in vocational schools, colleges and tertiary institutions.
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A Thesis submitted to the School of Graduate Studies, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Fine Arts in Textile Design
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