Redefining Occasional Garment Silhouettes with Adinkra Traditional Symbols
Redefining Occasional Garment Silhouettes with Adinkra Traditional Symbols
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Date
2022-09
Authors
PAMELA FRIMPONG
(8201210004)
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Abstract
The purpose of the study was to explore the potential for designing garments using Akan
traditional symbols (Adinkra) in the garment production process in Ghana. The selected
symbols were Akoko Nan, Dwennimmen, Akoben, Hye won Hye, and Wo Nsa Da Mu A. The
study employed a qualitative methodology. The total population of the study is 80 which
consisted of the 20 executives of the Dressmakers Association (designers), 30 textile shop
owners, and 30 female radio presenters (consumers) in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan
Area of the Western Region of Ghana. Furthermore, the study employed purposive and
convenience sampling to select a sample to participate in the study. The sample size of the
study was 30 stakeholders selected from the three groups consisting of 10 executives of the
Dressmakers Association (designers), 10 textile shop owners, and 10 female radio presenters
(consumers). A semi-structured interview (pre-production) and a focus group discussion
(post-production) were used to obtain data for the qualitative component of the study. The
resulting qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. The study found that most of
the participants were conversant with the Adinkra symbols and expressed their interest in the
Adinkra silhouette-based garments. Following the interviews with the stakeholders, the
researcher designed and produced the Adinkra silhouette-based garments in the studio. A
post-production interview was finally conducted with the stakeholders to evaluate the final
productions. The interview revealed stakeholders appreciated the Adinkra silhouette-based
garments.