Signs of the Times
Use Crayola® MiniStampers and Markers to create patterned designs similar to traditional Ashanti Adinkra cloth.
1. Research information about African Adinkra cloth, in which cultural symbols are stamped on rectangular pieces of fabric with multiple, linear outlines on all borders. Adinkra cloth designs symbolize concepts, proverbs, events, people, and familiar objects in Ashanti culture. These rectangles are sewn together with bright threads to make garments and robes worn for ceremonial events.
2. On 6- by 9-inch (16 by 23 cm) piece of white or light construction paper, use a Crayola Fine Tip Washable Marker and ruler to make three or four borderlines on the outside of the paper.
3. Use Crayola MiniStampers and markers to portray popular, contemporary designs. Select designs with personal meaning. Fill the rectangle with creative patterns. Add thin marker lines to enhance the pattern.
4. With markers on the back of the paper, explain the personal significance of the design choices.
5. Use Crayola School Glue to attach everyone's rectangles together on colorful ribbons. Display the class "Signs of the Times," which are similar to Adinkra cloth in concepts and designs.
Adult supervision is required for any arts & crafts project.
Small Parts—
WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD—Small parts. Not for children under 3 years.
String-Like Materials—Includes string, raffia, lacing, yarn, ribbon, and other similar material. Children 3 years and younger should not be given any string-like material that is longer than 12 inches. Close adult supervision is essential whenever children use string-like material. When crafts are to be worn around the necks of children 8 years and younger, attach the ends of the “string-like material” with clear adhesive tape, which allows easy release of the bond if the craft becomes entangled or caught on equipment. For children older than 8 years, the ends of the “string-like material” may be tied and knotted.
- Find out more about the daily lives, music, foods, and other aspects of the Ashanti people today. Create modern Adinkra cloth using symbols for these.
- Locate where the Ashanti people live on a map of Africa. Learn more about the country's history and economy.
- Create a class robe, quilt, or book of Adinkra cloth designs.
- Younger children and special needs students may benefit from short practice sessions designing simple patterns. Provide small squares of paper to experiment with different marker patterns and designs.
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