- Title
- AN ETHNOGRAPHIC STUDY ON MEANINGS CREATED WHEN BEADWORK IS USED FOR RESTORATION OF AFRICAN ETHNIC IDENTITY: A CASE OF ABATHEMBU FROM QUNU VILLAGE, EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE, SOUTH AFRICA
- Creator
- ROZANI CARINA NOMFUZO
- Subject
- RESTORATION OF AFRICAN ETHNIC IDENTITY, BEADWORK
- Date
- 2014
- Type
- Masters, MA
- Identifier
- http://hdl.handle.net/11260/2377
- Identifier
- vital:41453
- Description
- This study is an assessment on the meanings created when beadwork is used for restoration of African identity among AbaThembu. The research site is Qunu village. The research presents some insights on learners and community members’ perceptions towards integration of beadwork (IK) into the formal curricula. The results further respond to questions on how respondents think beadwork can be used for restoration of ethnic identity, and its possible inclusion into the school curricula. Questions surrounding the complex relations arising from an interface between indigenous knowledge and Eurocentric ideals are answered. The importance of the study is its potential to present knowledge on the identities created when beadwork is used for restoration of ethnic identity. A structured interview schedule was administered at selected schools and this was complemented by in-depth interviews which involved learners and parents. Ethnography and observation also featured. Photographic documentation of beadwork was also done. Learners were targeted due to wide assumptions that the young generation shun indigenous lifestyles. Quantitative data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) IBM 20 version while qualitative data was analyzed manually. The study was underpinned by frameworks founded on Critical Theory which seeks to interpret social aspects from a constructivist point of view. In that regard people’s day to day activities are upheld as key in understanding their way of life and dealing with challenges they encounter(Guess, 1981). Specifically, the Kaupapa Maori theory developed in New Zealand was used. Although it is rooted in arguments highlighting the Maori worldviews, philosophical foundations, cultural values and languages it was found useful in interpreting the state of indigenous knowledge usage in the South African context (Smith, 1999). EZiko siPheka siSophula theoretical framework was further used to interprete social aspects in the study. It was found to be appropriate because it explains issues from a holistic, relational and participatory angle (Goduka, 2012). Findings revealed complexities facing customary practices in the modern context amid different perceptions held towards reliance on the practices to restore ethnic identity. The study noted that through curricula transformation, it could be possible that identities representing abaThembu culture can be re-invented to suit the modern context and appeal to the younger generation. One of the key recommendations includes infusion of indigenous activities such as beadwork into modern institutions like education in efforts to promote people’s identities and beadwork entrepreneurship to sustain livelihoods.
- Format
- Publisher
- Walter Sisulu University
- Language
- English
- Rights
- Walter Sisulu University
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| Thumbnail | File | Description | Size | Format | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| View Details Download | SOURCE1 | Rozani_Carina_Nomfuzo.pdf | 3 MB | Adobe Acrobat PDF | View Details Download |