Cultural and Symbolic Interpretation of Selected Wax Print Designs on Ghanaian Fabrics

Abstract

Although Ghanaian textiles have undergone several phases of ascension and declining, they are
still significant in the culture of the people. Fabrics in Ghana are not only chosen for their
aesthetic outlook but rather have certain cultural and symbolic interpretations which are in line
with their names. The younger generation might lose certain key components of the culture
with regards to fabrics and their names. They therefore choose designs and wear without
knowing their cultural interpretations and the kind of signals and messages they are sending
across. These names and meanings are only known to few and therefore need some form of
scholarly documentation. The study made use of qualitative research methodology. Purposive
sampling technique was used to select the respondents for the study. Interviews were
conducted and participant observations made at the various shops to gather data for the study.
The study concluded that Ghanaian fabrics have unique names in relation to their composition
and designs. Fabrics chosen based on the message the wearer want to send across, mood of
the wearer or occasion and its significance are enormous. It is recommended that stakeholders
in textile education and fashion should give prominence and attention to Ghanaian fabrics and
the cultural and symbolic interpretations of their names.