Twentieth International Conference on Diversity in Organizations, Communities & Nations

Abstract

Textile design is the embellishment of fabrics using different techniques to suit the purpose or function for the production of textile. This could be the introduction of motifs of different kinds and from different sources. This research considers the textile design industry, which serves as infrastructure in diversifying Nembe se arts and crafts for sustainable economic development. It is noteworthy however that the Nembe people are fisher folks and are not known textile producers but consumers of other local foreign textiles products. The lack of a textile industry has inspired this research, to introduce an industry for empowerment and expansion of skills and the production of their own textiles for sustainable economic development. They are engaged in other arts and crafts such as weaving of fishing and preservation gadgets, hats, sewing, canoe carving and several others. Customized traditional textile design that is identifiable and also acceptable to them are recommended to enhance the economy and identity of the people. Such designs are titled in Nembe language and motifs derived from the environment, with significance in the history, culture and environment of the Nembe people. They include Abadi-a-ingo, Alatari and Amakibi ikara. Batik technique is used to define the features of the motifs, while silk thread and iron-on stones were applied as surface embellishment. Three communities were investigated for the acceptability of the design.