An Examination of Culturally Significant Motifs in Botswana

Recent research about craft design in Southern Africa has heavily focused on production, commercial marketing, and cultural tourism which contribute to the economic viability and visibility of craft design. However, the knowledge and understanding of the value of traditional motifs and patterns are still limited, preventing a more nuanced approach to using traditional motifs in modern design. Therefore, this study aimed to articulate the symbolic meanings of heritage elements and cultural significance in Botswana from multiple perspectives using three research approaches: (1) visual observations of traditional motifs through visits to museums and artisan communities (2) in-depth interviews with basket weavers, lekgapho (motif) makers, and experts, to understand the symbolic significance of heritage motifs and pattern, to gain deeper insights and perspective from makers and (3) a web-based survey of design students to gain insights into the level of awareness and understanding of traditional motifs and patterns to identify potential gaps in knowledge. The investigations took place in Kweneng, Bobirwa, and the Northwest districts in Botswana and found distinct variations of the traditional motifs across the three regions in terms of names, colours, inspirations, weaving patterns and styles, materials, and techniques. The study highlights the cultural significance of basketry and lekgapho making in Botswana, with a strong connection to ethnicity, and place and, additionally, the original symbolic meanings and their respective interpretation of them change across age groups and times. The survey revealed low awareness among design students regarding traditional motifs and patterns and that the younger generation is often unaware of their traditions in terms of motifs. The results enabled: (I)identification and documentation of culturally meaningful and symbolic motifs; (ii) a categorisation system to catalogue the motifs; (iii) a framework for encouraging design students to engage with or incorporate culturally meaningful and symbolic motifs. The visual-geographical catalogue explaining distinct traditional patterns and lekgapho practice in Botswana for museums and education environments may be used as a visual communication and learning tool, potentially contributing to research in heritage studies as it provides a snapshot of current practises and attitudes to culturally symbolic motifs that researchers and educators might consider how established traditional values and insights can continue.