Cultural Symbolism in Asante Traditional Textiles
Loading...
Date
2009-08-11
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Cultural symbolism as an art form is never static but ever changing and these changes are influenced by several factors including literary education, religion and globalization. The extent of these influences in Asante traditional textiles cannot be measured easily. This thesis therefore critically examined the past and current knowledge including substantive findings as well as theoretical and methodological contributions to the topic. Methodological approach adopted looked at cultural differences that pertains in other countries on cultural symbolism in traditional textiles. This provided a solid background for further investigation. The significance on Cultural symbolism in Asante traditional textiles in the society were also discussed.
Qualitative research method was employed to examine the economic, political, religious and social functions of symbolism in Asante traditional textiles. It further evaluated the current state of traditional textile symbols in relation to Asante culture. The researcher has recorded, described, analyzed and interpreted findings from the research. It was observed that cultural symbolism in Asante traditional textiles has played and continues to play a significant role in the maintenance and promotion of Asante culture. This role is economically significant in nation building. However, some obstacles such as the state of the textile profession, capital and education were realized. Suggestions for solving these problems have been provided but a thrust by the traditional textile producers themselves is inevitable not only to help improve the living standards of the craftsmen but also to make the profession more attractive while further promoting the Asante culture.
Description
A Dissertation submitted to the Department of General Art Studies,
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in African Art and Culture, 2009