ADOPTION OF KUTEB CULTURAL MOTIF IN FASHION DESIGN ON GARMENT

This study explores the identification, documentation, and creative application of Kuteb cultural motifs in contemporary fashion design through the batik technique. The Kuteb people of Taraba State, Nigeria, possess a rich cultural heritage expressed through symbols embedded in their artifacts, traditional attire, and occupational tools. However, modernisation and the dominance of Western fashion have led to the gradual neglect of these indigenous motifs. This research, therefore, seeks to bridge the gap between traditional Kuteb cultural expressions and modern garment design construction by transforming selected motifs into design. The study employed a qualitative research approach that involved field observation, interviews, and documentation of Kuteb motifs found in carvings, pottery, and woven fabrics. The motifs were analyzed for their aesthetic and symbolic meanings and subsequently adapted into batik designs for garment embellishment. Colour theory and design theory provided the theoretical framework for understanding the cultural symbolism. Findings from the study revealed that Kuteb motifs carry profound meanings associated with fertility, unity, spirituality, and social identity. Their adaptation through batik not only preserves these traditional symbols but also creates innovative design outcomes suitable for modern fashion. The study concludes that the integration of Kuteb motifs into fashion design can promote cultural preservation, stimulate local creativity, and contribute to Nigeria’s growing textile and fashion industry. It recommends that designers, researchers, and educators explore similar indigenous sources to strengthen the link between cultural heritage and contemporary design practice.