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Republic of the Philippines

BOHOL ISLAND STATE UNIVERSITY
Engineering Bldg, 0242 C.P.G. North Avenue, Tagbilaran
City, 6300 BoholOffice of the Student Affairs and Services
Balance I Integrity I Stewardship I Uprightness

Name: Princess Michaella G. Dumadag

Yr & Section: BSCE 2A

Art Appreciation

GE AA

Classification of Decorative Motifs and Symbols

There are times when we do not fully understand the meaning of a word, action, thought, or
object. To help us understand them, we often need to use other things for description. This is especially
important when dealing with art and literature. That is why symbols and motifs are created—to help us
make sense of things more easily.

Motifs

A motif is a repeated image, word (spoken or written), sound, action, or visual element that carries
symbolic meaning. It helps develop and express the theme in a piece of art or literature. While a theme is
the main idea or message, a motif is a detail that repeats to support and shape that message. Motifs are
closely related to themes and symbols. They use different narrative elements and appear repeatedly to
highlight a main idea. Motifs often focus on thoughts and support the main theme in various ways.

Motifs are commonly used in three ways:

• A single object that shows up many times and is given special attention.
• A group of related objects that appear often to highlight the theme.
• A mix of different objects that seem unrelated but point to the theme in a subtle way.

Types of Motifs in Textile Design Motifs

1. Geometric Motif

These include shapes and lines such as vertical, horizontal, diagonal, and
curved lines. They form patterns like stripes, checks, plaids, and circles.
Geometric motifs lead the eye and create movement in the design.
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Republic of the Philippines
BOHOL ISLAND STATE UNIVERSITY
Engineering Bldg, 0242 C.P.G. North Avenue, Tagbilaran
City, 6300 BoholOffice of the Student Affairs and Services
Balance I Integrity I Stewardship I Uprightness

2. Realistic or Natural Motif

These show real-life objects as they are found in nature, such as flowers,
animals, or human figures. They are also called novelty patterns. Because
they directly copy reality and do not show the designer’s creativity, they are
not often used in fashion design.

3. Stylized Motif

These are creative versions of natural or man-made objects. They may

be simplified, exaggerated, or rearranged in a way that makes them less
recognizable. These motifs show the designer’s imagination and give a
unique feel to the design.

4. Abstract Motif

These do not represent real objects. Instead, they use color, shape, and
size freely. Abstract motifs are often used in modern art and design
because they give an impression or feeling rather than a clear image.

Symbols

The word symbol comes from the Greek word symbolon, which means token, sign, or something
used for identification. Symbols represent ideas or meanings. They often reveal something hidden while
also showing something clearly. Symbols help people communicate by giving a shared way to express
different ideas. They are used across cultures and time periods. Sometimes the object itself becomes a
symbol, like a piece of clothing or a ceremonial item.

Symbols can show power, status, protection, or group identity. In societies where not everyone
can read or write, symbols are very useful for sharing thoughts and meanings. They can be realistic or
abstract, and may appear once or be repeated. A symbol can be anything; a picture, object, word, or
sound, that stands for something else. For example, names are symbols that represent people. All
languages use symbols for communication. We create and use symbols based on our experiences to better
understand and explain the world. Symbols can even change the meaning of words or ideas, depending
 .
Republic of the Philippines
BOHOL ISLAND STATE UNIVERSITY
Engineering Bldg, 0242 C.P.G. North Avenue, Tagbilaran
City, 6300 BoholOffice of the Student Affairs and Services
Balance I Integrity I Stewardship I Uprightness

on how they are used. Their meaning depends on history, purpose, and context. A good example is the
cross, which is a symbol of Christianity. It reminds believers of Jesus Christ’s suffering and sacrifice to save
humanity.

Types of Symbols

1. Iconograms

These are simple images that show a clear similarity between the symbol and
what it represents.

2. Pictograms

These are picture-based symbols, such as ISOTYPE figures, that show complex
ideas without using words.

3. Cartograms

These are map-like images that show information such

as geography or statistics. Examples include atlases or house
plans.

4. Diagrams

These symbols are partly visual and partly functional. They show
sequences or functions, like a flowchart or a process diagram.
 .
Republic of the Philippines
BOHOL ISLAND STATE UNIVERSITY
Engineering Bldg, 0242 C.P.G. North Avenue, Tagbilaran
City, 6300 BoholOffice of the Student Affairs and Services
Balance I Integrity I Stewardship I Uprightness

5. Ideograms

These stand for ideas or concepts, often without showing what they
represent. Their meaning depends on how they are used.

6. Logograms

are symbols used in writing that stand for words or ideas,

not sounds.

7. Typograms

These are written symbols made from letters or characters, often used
in creative typography.

8. Phonograms

These symbols represent sounds, often used in language or music