One Bright Crayon: Art Around the World

For accompanying lesson and handouts click here: Art Around The World - Ghana

Ghana is a small country located on West Africa’s Gulf of Guinea. They are best known for their authentic African arts and crafts. Arts and crafts are an integral part of the everyday life of the different tribes all over Ghana. These arts and crafts range from wood carvings, sculptures, jewelry, to textiles.

Arts and Crafts of Ghana

Adinkra cloth is a stamped or printed cloth made by the people of Ghana. The Adinkra symbols are used on clothes and pottery which were originally made for ceremonies for royalty.

Here is an introduction to Adinkra Cloth. A beautifully decorated cloth full of meaning and tradition.

Adinkra Symbols Of West Africa You may print copies for free from this site or project it so the students can follow along as you introduce each symbol.

A symbol is a mark or a design that has an understood meaning. Symbols are used instead of words in instances such as identifying restrooms or brands as well as many other reasons. Think of emojis. What message are you sending your friends each time you send one?

Kente cloth is the traditional cloth associated with Ghana. It is a multi-colored, narrow weaving of cloth that is sewn with other strips into the size of cloth needed to create clothing.

Here are two introductions to Kente weaving in Ghana.

OPTIONAL WEAVING ACTIVITY:
This is a GREAT basic paper weaving that you could use if you don't have time to do the actual weaving included in the lesson plan Art Around The World - Ghana.