Redesigning and Construction of the Semi-Broad Loom for the Physically Challenged (Mobility) in the Northern Region of Ghana
| dc.contributor.author | Amissah Jnr, Alfred | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2026-03-03T10:06:35Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2026-03-03T10:06:35Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2020-11 | |
| dc.description | A Thesis Submitted to the School of Graduate Studies, of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Degree of Masters of Philosophy in Art Education Faculty of Educational Studies College of Art and Built Environment | |
| dc.description.abstract | In Ghana, strip weaving is an art in transition inherited from one generation to the other (Frimpong and Asinyo, 2013). The semi-broad loom is a locally manufactured metallic loom which works the same way as the broad loom except with only two shafts and it is used by women. The structure of the semi-broad loom do not inspire the physically challenged (mobility) to indulge in weaving. Hence, the study investigated the possibility of an intervention in art that seem to introduce the physically challenged in the northern part of Ghana to weaving. The study identified and discussed the challenges that prevent the physically challenged persons (mobility) from weaving. It further designed and developed a semi-broad loom for the physically. The qualitative research design was employed for this study. Descriptive research and the Studio/Practice based research method was used. Target Population for the study was ninety while Accessible Population of forty consisting of Master weavers (trainers), and twelve from physically challenged persons, totaling fifty two. Purposive sampling technique was employed with Observations and interviews being the research instrument adopted Tools and materials for Construction of the semi-broad loom were mainly welding tools and materials. It was realized that more women are into weaving than men, due to that the semi-broad loom is the principal loom for weaving in the northern part of Ghana. It was also observed that the physically challenged persons (mobility) do not indulge in weaving due to a number of reasons such as; weaving centers located on the borders of the communities, weaving involving lot of movements, difficulty in creating shed, difficulty in warp let off and dressing of yarns. A new design of the semi-broad loom with levers for creating the shed, locking mechanism and additional shafts was designed and developed which made it possible for the physically challenged persons (mobility) to weave with the loom. It is concluded that available looms for weaving required the use of both legs and hands and most weaving centers were far from the residence. The new semi-broad loom for the physically challenged persons (mobility) was successfully designed and produced. Physically challenged persons (mobility) were able to use the loom to weave, however it took a longer time to complete the task. Weaving centers should embrace the use of the semi-broad loom in their operations in order to contain the physically challenged (mobility). The designed semi-broad loom for the physically challenged persons should be employed by the weavers to help curb the unemployment situation since it is equipped with hand levers and warp beam which enabled them to operate it. Loom developers should consider the semi-broad loom for future development of looms for physically challenged persons. | |
| dc.description.sponsorship | KNUST | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://ir.knust.edu.gh/handle/123456789/17634 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | KNUST | |
| dc.title | Redesigning and Construction of the Semi-Broad Loom for the Physically Challenged (Mobility) in the Northern Region of Ghana | |
| dc.type | Thesis |