Production of Nigeria Mannequins for Fashion Display and Sculpture

Abstract

he Nigerian fashion industry generally depends on expensive imported Western-styled mannequins that do not in any way complement our natural physique and our cultural dress forms. This is most unfortunate since there are enough trained sculptors and an abundance of materials that can be utilized in producing befitting beautiful and cheaper mannequins. This research not only shows the production procedure of sawdust-reinforced-plastic mannequins: supplementing fibre matt with wood sawdust, it asserts Nigeria’s socio-cultural identity and at the same time expanding the job market for our sculptors. The study equally finds a good use for the abundant sawdust that was considered an environmental waste and health hazard. The research is a product of both literary and studio efforts utilizing information from primary and secondary sources, personal interviews and extensive studio work involving posing, sketching, modeling, mould making, casting and painting. Meeting the expectations of those in the fashion industry, performance art and film industry, of having mannequins with appropriate physique for their purposes. And the discovery that sawdust actually makes the mannequins stronger and cheaper are gladdening justifications for this experiment. This project is expected to immensely influence the hitherto skewed mentality of some Nigerians in favour of Western acculturation and inversely stimulate further experimentations in favour of our own natural endowments, styles, skills and productions not only in arts, fashion and culture, but even in the other areas such as pharmacy, medicine, cosmetics, architecture, science, agriculture, economics, education, music, religion and politics.