Limited use of bark cloth as a weaving material at Margret Trowell School of Industrial and Fine Arts

Abstract

The society especially in Uganda has for many years shown keen interest in bark cloth. Although the traditional weavers have done a lot to sustain this great heritage of our motherland and places where bark cloth is made, little has been done to incorporate bark cloth in the modern designs The above stated problem necessitated this study so as to put an intervention in place to solve it. In doing so, the research employed qualitative methodology to solve the problem. The choice of this research method was due to the fact that it tries to simplify what is observed and focused on. Quite a number of methods were used which included, questionnaires, interview guide, and observation. The research to population sample was done among structural textile designers at MTSIFA, lecturers, students, bark cloth makers, sellers and buyers purposely because they were experienced. The researcher used different instruments to carry out part of observation data and these were; recorders, cameras, a note book and a pen. Based on the findings, it has been found that bark cloth is a good fiber for fabrication of modern clothes, bas and other decoration materials that can improve market for naturally made crafts and maintain the tradition. Therefore, we should not rely solely on exotic materials, tools and equipment in weaving. Rather we should explore local materials and use homemade tools and equipment to teach the subject. Purposely, bark cloth should be adopted as a weaving material as MTSIFA. In conclusion, bark cloth should be adopted as a weaving material at MTSIFA and in so doing it will enable students acquire more skills through the production of different woven products from bark cloth.