Masters Degree Dissertations

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://localhost:4000/handle/20.500.12504/307

Browse

Recent Submissions

Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Drawings for cultural identity : documentation of the Kiga blacksmith products in Kabale district.
    (Kyambogo University (Unpublished work), 2026-04) Ahibisibwe, Collins
    The historical craft of blacksmithing stands as the basis of human achievement within Kabale District, Uganda, and has thrived as a vibrant practice. Axes, hoes, pangas, spears, and knives arose as products of resourceful blacksmithing, breathing new life into scrap metal. This study's focal point was the preservation and celebration of this unique heritage, capturing the essence of the Kiga blacksmith's creations through artistic renderings. This endeavour serves as a channel for safeguarding both posterity and cultural identity within Kabale District, Africa. Amidst the region's communities, particularly during the sorghum harvesting season, the utilitarian and enduring usefulness of blacksmith products has been evident. The study posited the objectives to establish the current practice of the blacksmith among the Kiga community in Kabale District; explore various narratives to develop sketches inspired by the Kiga blacksmith practice for cultural identity; and analyze the narratives and produce drawings that promote the cultural identity and posterity of the Kiga blacksmith. As a response, this research endeavored to strengthen and spread cultural heritage, supported by stakeholders and institutions dedicated to nurturing culture. This initiative aligns harmoniously with Agenda 2063, Aspiration 5 (2015), which envisions an Africa enriched by a unified cultural identity, shared values, and historical ethics. Additionally, the insights generated contribute to Uganda's 2019 National Culture Policy, promoting youth empowerment in cultural preservation and indigenous knowledge across communities. This report takes readers on an immersive journey into the land of the Kiga community's blacksmithing practices within Kabale District. This study was hinged on a design using the ethnographic lens and most of the data collected was purely descriptive and through sketches and drawings created by the researcher. The researcher used in-depth interviews, participant observation, photography and focus group discussion as data collection methods. Largely, findings indicated that the activity of blacksmithing brought about economic sustainability and thus needed to remain one of the viable and sustainable economic activities in Kabale District, contributing to the local economy and providing livelihoods. Therefore, the study recommended activation of current Policy Support for cultural institutions and funding by the government to protect and promote the cultural heritage of Kiga blacksmithing. This can include financial assistance for the preservation and restoration of traditional blacksmithing work environments, the incorporation of machine-powered tools, not just charcoal, to ease the production process, the establishment of cultural centres, and the inclusion of blacksmithing in educational curricula to ensure the posterity of the practice.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Drawing as a means of preserving the values of Konzo traditional mortar and pestle : a case study of Nyakasanga village in Kasese district, Western Uganda
    (Kyambogo University, 2020-03) Baluku, Gilbert
    The study was carried out under the title; “Drawing as a means of preserving the values of the Konzo traditional mortar and pestle.” Throughout history, mortars and pestles have varied in; size, style, and material depending on their purposes. The purpose of the study was to produce drawings through studio experimentation as a mean for preserving the usage and values of the Konzo traditional mortar and pestle in Kasese Region, Western Uganda. The study was conducted under three objectives; to examine the values of the Konzo traditional mortar and pestle, to find out whether the practices of making and observing Konzo traditional mortar and pestle are preserved as well as to produce drawings for preservation of values of the Konzo traditional mortar and pestle. The study involved 10 respondents who were purposively selected for their knowledge and expertise on Konzo traditional mortar and pestle whose respective information guided the studio process. The methodology used was purposive and exploratory approach. The exploration in this study involved producing drawings with different surfaces and media; Surfaces included bond papers, craft paper, canvas, plywood, and mounting cards. Drawing techniques which were tried out during experimentation included wavy, cross hatching, scrabbling, hatching, wash and dotting. Media included chalk, charcoal, pencil colour, water colors, and soil. Keywords included; Pestles and Mortars, Preservation and Drawing. Content in the study was based on usage and values of the Konzo traditional mortar and pestle in Nyakasanga Village, Kasese Region, Western Uganda; This study under findings discovered the purpose why the usage and values of Konzo traditional mortar and pestle should be preserved through Drawing as a mean ;the uses of Konzo traditional mortar and pestle included ;used to pound cereals and other food staffs in preparation of food, used to grind medicine which was given to the sick, helped to create relationships in the society which showed togetherness in the community, inspired the study. The findings which were presented on various surfaces through drawing recognized some of the values of the Konzo traditional mortar and pestle and recommended that further studies should be conducted on how they can be preserved through.