Abstract:
Ghana’s traditions of weaving include the Kente, the fugu traditions as well as the
kete. The Kente is identified as woven by the Asantes with other versions created by
the Ewes in the Volta region (kete), while the fugu fabric is the work of some
Northern ethnic groups. The traditional weaving is wide spread among many ethnic
groups. The traditional weaving industry in Ghana is an example of such industry
which has seen little change over a period of time. Some attempts have been made in
the past to bring some changes to the traditions of weaving in Ghana. This project is
an additional effort to suggest some changes to the way traditional weaving of the
kente and the fugu fabrics are done by introducing an Innovative Weave Structure.
This was done in order to contribute to the concept of national unity and cohesion
which is continually being forged through academic discussions and socio-political
media engagements. The project sought to, integrate the weave structures of Northern
fugu fabric and the Ashante kente into a common weave structure. The approach of
the study was qualitative research method and practice-based research approach,
which is original research undertaken with a view to gaining new knowledge partly
through practice and the results of that practice and instrument used to collect data
were mainly interviewed (one-to-one) and participant observation with players in the
traditional weaving industry and then some secondary data. The scope of the study
covered selected indigenous weaving centres in the Ashanti and Upper East Regions
of Ghana. The population of the study was limited to nine weaving centres in both
regions mostly weavers from Bolgatanga craft village, Namoo, Yeliwungo, Bonwire,
Adanwomase, Bepoase, Ntonso, Tewobabi and Wonoo. The concepts under
investigation included research into various types of woven fabrics in the two regions
that is kente and fugu fabrics. The findings of this study suggest that the researcher
Description:
A Dissertation in the Department of Fashion Design and Textiles Education,
Faculty of Vocational Education, submitted to the School of Graduate Studies,
University of Education, Winneba in partial fulfilment of the requirements for
award of Master of Philosophy (Fashion Design and Textiles) degree.
AUGUST, 2022a