Unit 1: Influence of Culture on Design: Study Case - India

Question 1

Handmade textiles products

Answer 1

• APPLIQUE: Sewing pieces of fabric on top of another for decorative purpose (eg. Landlord - canopies).
• BLOCK PRINTING: paisley patterns or animals such as elephants to promote certain wishes (eg elephant - luck and wealth).
• EMBROIDERY: fine needle work, apparel and non apparel, furnishings as a source of money.

Question 2

Creates self expression within culture

Answer 2

• BRIGHT COLOURS: desired and worn by most people in India.
• CLOTHES = STATURE: Colour, clothing style, design and fabric are used to determine where an individual stature in society (village, single, widowed, married, skillset).

Question 3

Hindu lifestyle

Answer 3

• Based on religious beliefs and traditions, textiles are used to communicate different ‘casts’ (landlord, merchant, farming).
• GUJARAT: richest source of folk embroidery.
• SELF EXPRESSION: eg. Hindu Brides - wear red saris made out of silk or cotton (red = happiness, joy), amount of gold stitches on sari & accessories = how wealthy the family and bride.

Question 4

Effects of Indian culture on textile design in contemporary society

Answer 4

• Commonly see colourful cushions with metallic thread, beads & mirrors .
• Use of sari silks, embroidered cloth may appear on apparel items.
• Example of culture in media: Moulin Rouge - embroidery + beading were done by Indian textile artists.

Question 5

EXTERNAL INFLUENCE:

Answer 5

Economic, Political, Social

Question 6

ECONOMIC

Answer 6

Fabrics used - based on castes, Imports and exports,

Question 7

POLITICAL

Answer 7

Farmer strikes, elections based on religion.

Question 8

SOCIAL

Answer 8

caste system, religious assumption

Question 9

CULTURAL INFLUENCES

Answer 9

Geological, Technological Developments, Available Resources, Religion, Skills and Status.

Question 10

GEOLOGICAL

Answer 10

Location determines what one wears.

Question 11

TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS

Answer 11

Determine the availability of products based on location.

Question 12

AVAILABILITY OF RESOURCES

Answer 12

Based on location. Eg. Rajasthani, made from cotton and easy to access.

Question 13

RELIGIOUS PRACTICES

Answer 13

• Caste system. follows their own customs.
• BRAHIM: scholar & preist
• KSHATRIYAS: warriors.
  VASHIYAS: traders, landlords, artisans & businessmen.
• SUNDRA: peasants.
• UNTOUCHABLES: …

Question 14

WORKER SKILLS & STATUS

Answer 14

Each caste has different:

• GARMENT STYLE: design, colours, embroidery, materials.
• WOMEN: highly embroidered saris = more respect & skillset.