Question 5
(a) Define the term motif.
(b) List five types of repeat patterns.
(c) With the aid of diagrams, explain any two of the repeat patterns listed in 5(b) above.
Observation
The question was popular among the candidates and their performance was excellent. Nevertheless, some of the candidates were not able to differentiate between a motif and a pattern. In (c) many candidates failed to explain the drawn repeat patterns. They should have responded thus:
(a) Motif: It is a unit of design or shape used repeatedly to create / form patterns.
(b) - Half drop;
- Simple/Block/Full drop/Side by side/All over;
- Half slide /Bricks - Random/Scattered;
- Counter-change/Check;
- Mirror/Reflection;
- Diamond;
- Ogee;
- Scaly.
(c) (i) Half drop repeat: In this design arrangement, the motif is repeated halfway dropped.
(ii) Simple/Block/Full drop/ Side by side/ All over: In this arrangement, the motifs are positioned next to each other and repeated all through the space in the same way and manner.
(iii) Half slide/ Bricks: In this design arrangement, the motifs are arranged half way slide to the side to show a brick laying formation.
(iv) Random/Scattered: In this arrangement, motifs are spread all over the surface with no definite repeat.
(v) Counter-change/ Check: This type of pattern is usually alternated in two colours to
create a contrast.
(vi) Mirror/Reflection: This is a design arrangement whereby motifs are arranged to reflect
itself like a shadow in a proportionate manner.
(vii) Diamond: In this arrangement, the motifs are placed in a slanting manner guided by a
network of lines all through.
(viii) Ogee: This is an arrangement that can be constructed from networks of shapes like
rectangles, squares, triangles, etc. It comprises of a combination of oval shapes in full
drop manner which is suitable for curtain designs.
(ix) Scaly: This design arrangement is made up of semi-circles which form a series of
overlapping scales in a horizontal manner.
