Abstract

This research report explores the uses of textiles as a reference in creating contemporary jewellery, particularly Isishweshwe fabric. Isishweshwe is a printed dyed cotton fabric widely used for South African traditional clothing produced by Da Gama Textiles in King Williamstown, South Africa, originates in Europe. This paper is based on a self-reflective action research that involves planning, action, observation, and reflection.
This paper consists of research based on the history of indigenisation of the Isishweshwe/blueprint in Southern Africa by Professor Juliette Leeb-du Toit. It also consists of different characteristics found in the history of Isishweshwe like the importance of the fabric in cultural significance, the Isishweshwe design names and the discovering of the fabric motifs. I found myself interested in researching more about the fabric motifs to help me create my body of work.
This paper will show the development of my findings from the important characteristics of Isishweshwe fabric, to finding geometric fabric motifs more appealing and worth working with in creating contemporary jewellery. It will also show how African people have adapted Isishweshwe fabric as part of their cultural usage.