Isishweshwe Design Names

According to Leeb- du Toit (2017: 260) naming isishweshwe design is a significant aspect of their indigenisation over time. Owners of textiles outlets throughout Southern African have contributed
largely to this naming, thereby facilitating their ordering and identification of isishweshwe designs for customers, although many designs remain unnamed. Design names have been created by Sotho-speakers and the names of specific patterns appear to have developed by the association. The dot pattern is linked to the spots of the guinea fowl, which is called the Terantala see figure 2, the rounded floriated shape to the cabbage(moroko) see figure 1, jagged lines to a rope(ropo) see figure 3 and other designs have been closely based on local Sotho mural traditions (ibid).

                

                         Figure 1- French Connection. (2007).
                      Cabbages(moroko). [ONLINE]

     

        Figure 2- French Connection. (2007).
     Guinea fowl(Terantala).[ONLINE]

                                              

                                                           Figure 3- French Connection. (2007). Rope(ropo). [ONLINE]

Pheto-Moeti (2017: 28) states that the type of design or pattern on the fabric all act as signs and carry social meanings. Motifs and colour of fabric may communicate some ritual see figure 4. Symbols are also vehicles with which it is possible to visually present thoughts, experience and concepts (ibid).

Figure 4- French Connection. (2007). Spears circle or wheels. [ONLINE]

Isishweshwe has common designs that range from floral and stripes to diamonds, square and circular designs see figure 5&6. I am mainly focusing on circular designs see figure 7&8 where "the names and meanings originate from historical events, individual achievements and certain qualities
of plant and animal life" (Pheto-Moeti et al. 2017: 28).

                    

                         Figure 5- French Connection. (2007).
                      Lightning(umbani). [ONLINE]

Figure 6- French Connection. (2007).
Fans(sefehla moea). [ONLINE]

 

    Figure 7-French Connection. (2007).
 CDs (idiski). [ONLINE]

         

Figure 8- French Connection. (2007).
 Windmills. [ONLINE]