Processing and utilization of selected local plant fibers for macramé
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Date
2021-06-18
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Abstract
Macramé has grown to be accepted as a potential, versatile, fashionable craft capable of
complementing other craft, for the process in product development, which has socioeconomic benefits as well as a sustaining culture. This study, dealing with the processing
and utilization of selected plant fibres for macramé, attempts to examine two things at
the same time. The research capitalizes on the vast natural resources and alternative uses
of selected plants other than yarns, cords and ropes for macramé. The main aim of this
research is to identify some plants which have high fibre yielding properties, which
could be extracted and used for knotting macramé. Also, the research sought to introduce
the concept of macramé knotting to two communities in Ghana and finally to examine
the socio-economic impact of the use of the fibre on the selected communities. The
research questions include: which local plants have fibre forming properties within the
Daffiama and Odumase Krobo communities in Ghana; how best can these fibres be
harnessed for knotting and how the concept of macramé be introduced to the selected
communities using the produced cords from plants. The research design is driven by
qualitative research method using experimental and descriptive approaches. The
population for the study comprised final year students of St. Theresa‟s‟s Vocational
School (2015/16 academic year), selected traditional basket weavers and a group of bead
makers whom the researcher named Muɛstɛm. The target population was hundred and ten
(110) but finally sixty-nine (69) was accessible for the study. Information was obtained
from libraries and the field (indigenes). The data collection instruments were interviews,
questionnaire and observation. The data were organized, analyzed and interpreted. The
findings revealed that most of the selected plants found in the communities had high
yielding fibre properties which when processed could be used to make cords and ropes
for knotting macramé. The exposure the respondents had from the macramé weaving wasiv
very positive using the colourful synthetic cords. This exposed the respondents to
macramé knots which would further enhance their local production of craft works within
their various communities. In conclusion the respondents embraced the macramé craft to
enhance their work and were also encouraged to cultivate some of these fibrous plants
not only for fuel, medicinal and the likes but also for their high fibre yielding properties
which can feed factories to produce yarns and cords. This would go a long way to engage
most of our teeming youth for progressively notable transformation
Description
A thesis submitted to the Department of Educational Innovations in Science and
Technology, College of Art and Built Environment in partial fulfillment of the
requirements for the Degree of
Doctor of Philosophy
in African Art and Culture
Keywords
Processing and utilization, Local plant fibers, macramé