Introduction

Textile design serves as a powerful conduit for cultural expression, encapsulating philosophical and symbolic ideas that reflect the heritage and values of a community. This blog post explores the creation of an everyday wear/African-wear design for Sam Jonah Library at the University of Cape Coast (UCC). The design draws inspiration from the Adinkra symbol Dwannimmen (Ram's Horn), representing humility, strength, wisdom, and learning.

Symbolism of Dwannimmen

Dwannimmen, depicting two rams butting heads from a bird’s eye view, symbolizes the dual qualities of the ram: fierce strength and humble submission. This Adinkra symbol serves as a reminder that true strength is accompanied by humility. The adage, "it is the heart and not the horns that leads a ram to bully," underscores that these qualities reside in the heart rather than in outward appearances.

University of Cape Coast: A Heart of Learning

UCC is renowned for its vibrant intellectual community and educational success. The heart of this esteemed institution is the Sam Jonah Library, a symbol of the university's dedication to knowledge and learning. The library, though the main strength behind the academic and intellectual success of UCC, remains humble and continues to deliver its services in silence. This textile design project aims to reflect the library’s central role and the symbolic heart language of Dwannimmen.

Design Elements and Philosophical Concepts

The textile pattern incorporates the Dwannimmen symbol, enhanced with dot and line patterns to elucidate its philosophical meaning. Each symbol contains a central dot, representing the heart, as per the accompanying adage. The dot, a small round spot, forms a circle symbolizing purity, sacredness, and peace, akin to the human heart.

Lines are included to signify connections, akin to roads, rivers, and pathways in our environment. These lines illustrate the connections between the Sam Jonah Library (the dot) and the various faculties, departments, and individuals within UCC. The library influences and connects every aspect of the university, determining its pace and intellectual vigor.

Incorporating Architectural Identity

To visually and contextually complete the narrative, the design features an image of the Sam Jonah Library’s architectural structure. This incorporation not only identifies the cloth with the university but also emphasizes the library's central role in the institution’s academic life.

Conclusion

This symbolic textile design for Sam Jonah Library is a testament to the power of cultural symbols in modern applications. By blending the philosophical depth of the Dwannimmen symbol with the practical and aesthetic elements of textile design, this project aims to communicate the heart language of UCC. The design not only enhances the visual appeal of everyday wear but also reinforces the university’s core values of humility, strength, and intellectual connection.

For readers interested in a well-researched and thought-provoking textile design that informs and inspires, please contact me for further discussion and collaboration.

Feel free to reach out for inquiries or to learn more about this project and other symbolic textile designs.