أثر المعتقد على التصميم الشعبي في منطقة السافل بالسودان

Abstract

This study investigates in seven chapters (Vol.1) the influence of belief on design concepts in the Safil of Sudan. Although contemporary studies confirm uniformity of creative abilities between different human races, yet both of the archaeological and historical records reveal a series of 2 and 3 dimensional innovations in the Safil of Sudan prior to the wide influx of the nomadic Arab tribes between the 7th and 16th centuries and remain silent ever since. Currently, lack of attraction, innovation and individuality ( pre requisites of creativity ) manifests in and characterizes 2 and 3 dimensional design aspects in the Safil represented by folk graphics and folk architecture respectively, featuring dominant monotonously repeated standardized forms. Historic and contemporary social, ethnic, religious, educational, economic, political structures and relative folklore theories have been investigated and discussed. Creativity and design potentials and terms have also been stated and defined. Belief, one of the factors influencing creativity, has been hypothesized to have major direct, indirect, positive and negative influences on design aspects in the Safil. On one hand it stabilizes the society, but on the other it hinders creativity. Based on fieldwork survey, a typo/analytical research has been conducted to test the hypothesis. Folk graphics and folk architecture elements have been sighted, collected, classified, documented, defined and analyzed. Findings attribute the problem to Khalwa educational system. Based on memorization, dictation, imitation, recitation and hand copying of religious verses, quotations and decoration patterns as only means of teaching reading and writing abilities, the system neglects investigation, exploration, experimentation, imagination, and deduction, natural childhood behavior qualities required in late childhood education for future adult reflections. Recommendations to solve the problem evolve round suggestions to improve the educational system to simultaneously meet adequate educational requirements while maintaining the stability of the society. Appendix includes maps, diagrams, photographs, interviews questions, lists of informants, Khalwas and law cases samples. Contemporary design, folk graphics and folk architecture vernacular design terminology indexes hav