Analysing how different artists at MTSIFA have used Raffia as a weaving material.

Abstract

This research study sought to reveal the analysis of the use of raffia as a weaving material by artists at the Margaret Trowell School of Industrial and Fine Art and was set on the following objectives; To identify the different artists who have used raffia while weaving; Identify and categorize the works done by the different artists at MTSIFA using raffia; To examine the use of the works done using raffia at MTSIFA artists.The researcher in chapter one presented the introductory part of the entire study by presenting the statement upon which the study was set by, he also presented the justifications for which the study intended to be achieved after the completion of the research report.Chapter two involved presentation of all related literature in relation to the study objectives, under this the researcher tried to reviews to the quotation based on the study of research.In chapter three, which was methodology, the researcher presented the research design and all research data collection tools or methods in reviews to how study was to be managed citing population sample, area of the study, target size/population, sources of data, data collection methods, data processing and analysis.In chapter four, the researcher employed the analytical research design where by the researcher had to lookout for raffia products from the archives from the hand-weaving department. Furthermore, the researcher used both the observation and interview as methods of data collection, there by being helped by the checklist and an interview guide as the tools for data collection. The researcher used the checklist to observe the technique, tool and color blending among others and on the other hand, used the questionnaire that was given to students of third year and the researcher used an interview guide to get the views of the structured textile lecturer who represented the whole.Main finding of the study was to point out how different artists at MTSIFA have used raffia as a weaving material, it has been dynamic, experimental and explorative for the past years to date and on the other hand to know about the tools and techniques used by students at MTSIFA.The low profile of raffia weaving techniques proceeding at the school has led to low knowledge about the trend of weaving techniques and the few who have taken interest in the trends have managed to recognize the changes hence a bright and glorious future of raffia weaving at the school.Researcher recommends hand-weaving students to research more about how quality raffia works can be achieved without hardship for example the use of simple and easy means machines like the new plastic nets that can be used when registering colors for different products. In addition, for most xii aspect is to manage time and become more serious plus the change in attitude to produce quality raffia products.