Utilizing Indigenous Elements on Akwa-Ocha for Modern Fabric Design and Garments

Abstract

Akwa-Ocha, which literally means white cloth, is a popular hand-woven cloth among the Enuani people, who are also referred to as Aniocha people in present day Delta State in South-south geographical zone of Nigeria. The cloth is designed and woven for all-purposes but can also be customized to suit particular occasions or client of high social status. Akwa-Ocha is embellished with motifs and symbols reflective of the people's religious as well as social beliefs. These motifs range from mundane to the spiritual and incorporate plants, animals, man-made objects, geometric shapes, as well as cosmological symbols. Beyond their ordinary function of clothing the wearers, Akwa-Ocha woven cloths assume other important and symbolic roles, such as social and other ritual significance. How did this cloth gain such significance among the Aniocha people? Does such importance offer any interpretation of the changing social political landscape in modern Nigeria? In what ways have Akwa-Ocha responded to global fashion consciousness? As a treasured item, Akwa-Ocha is among the most important two-dimensional art forms in Nigeria. It is the intention of this paper to address some of the further developments with its motifs and symbols. This paper will argue that globalization has created other responsibilities for even further broadening the utility value of the motifs and symbols inherent on the cloth, and also making it accessible to a wider range of users.