Preserving Indigenous Knowledge for Traditional Xhosa Necklace Breadwork Ontology

Abstract

Indigenous Knowledge (IK) is central to the cultural heritage and identity of indigenous people. It offers significant potential for socio-economic and environmental development. However, IK is fragile and at risk of being lost together with its socio-economic potential. This study was conducted to demonstrate the use of an ontology as a solution to capturing and preserving indigenous knowledge that informs Xhosa necklace beadwork. This study developed a necklace beadwork ontology that decrease the potential of IK erosion which in turn threatens the survival of Xhosa necklace beadwork. Design science research methodology was used as part of the framework of this study. The ontology was developed using the adaptive methodology. The necklace beadwork ontology was developed using Protégé software. The necklace beadwork ontology was evaluated using coherence and gap testing. The study developed the necklace beadwork ontology as proof of concept to demonstrate that ontologies can formalize and preserve the IK of the Xhosa necklace beadwork.