Artistic and Cultural Significance of Ghanaian Printed Fabric Designs.

The main objective of the research is to examine the artistic and cultural significance of Ghanaian printed fabrics. The study specifically sought to identify the various Ghanaian printed fabrics within the Ghanaian cultural set-up, examine the artistic and cultural significance of the fabrics and appraise some aspects of the printed fabrics. The research design used was the qualitative approach based on a simple descriptive survey. The purposive sampling technique was used to select eight (8) fabric designs for the study. Interview and observation were used in collecting data. The analysis of the study was based on a pictorial view of the designs. This technique enabled the researchers to deal with the artistic study of the research. The findings of the study showed that there are many Ghanaian printed fabrics with different names that have cultural significance derived from various traditional values and beliefs. Artistically, the fabrics come in different colour-ways, providing a venue for a variety of aesthetic experience for their users. The simple and complex designs associated with these fabrics go a long way to provide the individual with numerous means of appreciating textile products. The main recommendation of the study is that, conscious efforts be made by the various centres of national cultures to have special collections of these fabrics as a means of beefing up the stock of knowledge that exists in the meanings of the fabric designs.

Keywords: Artistic; Culture; Aesthetics; Fabrics; Colour-ways; Symbolism