Exploring motifs for textile decoration from Kiga indigenous cultural icons in south western Uganda

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore possibilities of using motifs derived from Bakiga cultural icons for textile decoration using both weaving and screen printing as production techniques. The study aimed at achieving the following three objectives; to identify the Bakiga icons that could be used as inspiration for textile decoration, to develop motifs inspired by selected Bakiga icons for textile decoration, and to use both weaving and screen printing as production techniques of motifs from selected Bakiga icons for textile decoration. The study is grounded on the Cultural Identity theory as it sought to create avenues that communicate cultural values and as such employed an Ethnographic research method and an exploratory design. Following the objectives, the research employed In-depth Interviews, Direct Observation, Photography, Documentary analysis and Studio practice methods to investigate into the study. The investigations of this research revealed that most human societies largely used surfaces and forms of artefacts to communicate their practices, norms, traditions and beliefs and it realized that the Kiga people had a wide range of artefacts that bore icons which carried messages of cultural importance. Indeed, the wide range of icons noted on the Kiga artefacts provided a rich base of inspirations that were used to generate motifs for decorating textiles. Data collected from respondents revealed that textiles decorated with iconic motifs work largely as drivers of communication as opposed to merely giving an esthetical value. Based on this key finding the study highly recommended that rather than using textile decorated with motif that reflect foreign images, using textiles with motifs that drive meaning to our societies would support sustainability, reserve and teach cultural values.