VIRTUAL: Prague Heritages

Abstract

In Botswana, traditional motifs and patterns appear in several art and crafts, for example basketry, pottery, traditional houses, beadwork, weaving, woodcrafts, and dress. Past research has been done in education on the use of cultural elements in design curriculum; however, it has not included interactions between design education and basket making crafts. This study seeks to address that gap. This study examines the material symbolism of motifs and patterns in Botswana arts and crafts. In-depth interviews incorporating photo elicitation technique were conducted with 37 interviews to understand meaning of designs, conducted from 3 regions. Our findings show that symbolism meaning is threefold has personal meaning, informed by stories passed down by elders and reflects memories from past practice, that connect makers with their place, history, and tradition. We also found similarities and fundamental differences in terms of symbolic inspiration across craft regions in terms of geographical and environment context. This suggests geographical identity construct that reveals strong connection to unique sense of place and sense ethnic identity. Furthermore, new motif designs, new colours were found as a result of exploration with plants that can be used as natural dyes.