Reinterpreting Adire Symbols: Developing Innovative Motifs for Contemporary Ankara Textile Print

Abstract

Adire, the traditional resist-dyed textile heritage of south-western Nigeria, embodies rich symbolism and cultural identity, yet many of its motifs remain confined to craft practice and are rarely integrated into contemporary mass-produced textiles such as Ankara prints. This study investigates the reinterpretation of Adire symbols as innovative motifs for modern textile design. Adopting a studio-based mixed-methods approach, selected symbols were documented, analyzed for their formal and semiotic qualities, and digitally redesigned into repeat patterns using computer-aided design tools. The resulting motifs were applied to Ankara print prototypes to assess aesthetic appeal, functionality, and market relevance. Findings demonstrate that merging indigenous visual language with contemporary production technologies generates textiles that are culturally expressive, visually dynamic, and commercially viable. The study highlights traditional symbolism as a sustainable design resource and proposes a model for revitalizing African textile heritage while supporting innovation, competitiveness, and broader global appreciation of contemporary African textile design.