• Journal of the Korean Society of Costume
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• v.64 no.2
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• pp.135-149
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• 2014

This study attempts to adapt and develop Korean prehistoric petroglyphs into textile design for children. For this purpose, literature review was conducted to understand the plasticity and symbolism expressed in Korean prehistoric petroglyphs. Also this study conducted textile design development as follows: First, the figures and faces in petroglyphs were selected because children can easily recognize them. Second, two groups of different ages (7-9 and 10-13) were allowed to freely draw the selected motifs. Third, some of the motifs created by the children were selected that show children's individuality and also keep the features of the original motifs. The children's motifs were developed into textile design using Texpro and Photoshop. Then digital textile printing and 3D mapping program were used to make pajamas (5 types), umbrellas (3 types), and simulate bedding sets (2 types) for children. This research's results are as follows: First, petroglyphs are symbolic language of human's oldest art form, and related to religious and mythical belief. Korean petroglyphs have plasticity showing the development steps in technique and expression, with various shapes such as animals, human figures, faces, masks and abstract figures. Third, children showed their interests in various human figures and faces of the petroglyphs, and it was easy to draw those motifs in their own way. Fourth, 10 design motifs were selected from the children's work and used to create textiles considering materials and colors for children. Total 10 items were made and presented. This study confirmed the usefulness of applying prehistoric petroglyphs to children's textiles designs. These designs may grow as a kind of cultural product for children who know about and like petroglyphs. They can be a niche market items too, made to order for children with individuality and who favor originality.