Project R-15335

Textile tales: an inquiry into motherhood cultural naaratives through the design process of Kanga Fabric (Research)

Abstract of the Kanga Project The Kanga Project is a creative and research-based exploration of Kanga textiles, which hold deep cultural significance in East Africa, particularly in Tanzania. Kanga are traditional garments that serve not only as clothing but also as a form of communication, often used by women to express personal, social, cultural, and political messages. This project examines the symbolic meanings embedded in Kanga patterns, motifs, and inscriptions investigating how they reflect important aspects of life, including motherhood, identity, and the challenges women face. The inspiration for the project comes from my personal experiences as a mother and the difficulties I encountered during pregnancy. However, the project also seeks to understand the broader experiences of pregnant women in Tanzania and globally, focusing on how Kanga are used to communicate feelings, emotions, and social status. In many African societies, conversations about motherhood are often constrained by traditional taboos, making it difficult for women to openly discuss their fears, joys, and struggles. Kanga, with their printed proverbs and vibrant patterns, provide a unique medium through which women can express these sentiments indirectly. Kanga as Cultural Communication: The study examines how Kanga textiles have historically been used by women to express their thoughts and feelings about life events such as marriage, childbirth, and community relations. By analyzing the patterns, motifs, and Swahili sayings inscribed on Kanga, the project uncovers how these textiles serve as both personal and social statements. Maternal Health and Social Advocacy: Through the artistic and cultural lens of Kanga, the project addresses the maternal health challenges that women in Tanzania face. It highlights the emotional, physical, and social difficulties of pregnancy, childbirth, and motherhood, advocating for better healthcare, community support, and respectful treatment of women. This part of the project seeks to raise awareness about the need for improved maternal health services and to challenge harmful societal norms and practices by using Kanga as a medium for communication. The project will involve a combination of artistic creation, cultural analysis, and community engagement. The creation of new Kanga designs that reflect contemporary issues around motherhood and identity will be central to the project. These designs will serve as tools for dialogue and reflection, encouraging conversations within communities about maternal health and the experiences of women. Additionally, the project will include exhibitions and discussions aimed at fostering greater understanding and support for women's health and well-being. In conclusion, the Kanga Project seeks to blend traditional textile art with modern advocacy, using the Kanga fabric as a powerful medium to address issues of pregnancy, motherhood, identity, and women's rights. Through creative expression and cultural analysis, the project hopes to contribute to preserving the traditional significance of Kanga while introducing modern patterns and messages that resonate with Tanzanian women around themes of pregnancy and motherhood, using Kanga as a platform to raise awareness on social issues like happiness, maternal health, and societal pressures, and creating visually striking designs that reflect women's emotional experiences, promote well-being, and encourage community dialogue.

21 November 2024 - 30 September 2028