AKWA-OCHA MOTIFS AND SYMBOLS: INFUSION OF DESIGN CONCEPTS INTO CONTEMPORARY NON-SYNTHETIC FABRICS

Abstract

There are many ways Nigerians exhibit their identities and heritages which includes the art and craft traditionsparticularly, textiles and fashion. Virtually every ethnic group in Nigeria has its own indigenously customized fabrics and dress styles that have been enduring. Several of these customized fabrics have been integrated into modern fashion and occupy a place of esteem andhence are highly appreciated and sought after. In as much as Nigerians want to be identified with indigenous culture in their fashion trends, it has continued to be influenced by foreign culture.Despite the myriad of existing fabric in Nigeria,there has not been adequate representation of cultural elements inherent in Nigerian indigenous art and craft traditions, particularly decorative signs, symbols and motifs for the design of modern fabrics.The studytherefore,employs qualitative research methodology as the paper looks at Akwa- Ochamotifs and symbols as possible design concepts that can be usedon non-synthetic fabrics for easy malleability especially for fashionable productsin order to createthe needed indigenous identity; unlike its usual heavy hand-woven cloth format