Essel, O. Q. & Asare, G. D. (2020). Breaking the academic silence on anonymity of indigenous textiles: Textile art of Nana Kwaku Duah II in focus

The study sought to explore the biographical account of Nana Kwaku Duah II and examine his major innovative and creative contributions in textile designing, weaving and Adinkra printing cottage industry. In this study, narrative analysis and oral history methods constituted the form of biographical method used in addition to descriptive research design. Unstructured interview and unobtrusive observation were the forms of instrumentations used for the data collection. Data was analysed using descriptive and narrative analysis tools. It was revealed in the study that Nana Kwaku Duah II is a presidential fabric designer who fuses indigenous adinkra printing technology, kente weaving techniques and embroidery art in creating a unique composite breed of fabrics. His unique fabric designs have received commendation from users and admirers, yet he has remained anonymous in academic circles as the textile designer. For instance, his Nyame na ayɛ design worn by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo during his 2017 inauguration ceremony. It was highly praised by many as kente, though it was produced with a combination of kente and embroidery stripes. It is recommended that the nation must consider honouring his creative efforts as it persists in other developed nations who honour their creatives. The textile designs of this creative designer must feature in the collections of the Ghana National Museum for art education purposes.