Mathematics of folk art: The geometric motifs in the embroideries of Ikalinga

The paper was primarily conceived to identify the different kinds of embroideries of the IKalinga, figure out the basic geometrical motifs and the significant implication of these identifiable motifs to the lives of the Ikalinga. It employed the descriptive ethnographic approach, unstructured interview and documentary analysis of existing embroideries of the Ikalinga. The findings revealed that, Kalinga embroideries are wrought with symbolism; geometric motifs are usually related to culturally significant domains and are expressed in different designs of a weaving. Many concepts are illustrated through metaphors used within an embroideries context; shapes in the woven designs are related to elements of everyday life, ceremonies, nature or cosmology. Even simple design is latent with motifs whose origin is found in the earth, sky and nature. The symbolism found in every art is extraordinarily rich in heritage and culture which provide the weavers with connection to their ancestors and traditions.