Africa: Adinkra Cloths

These sites show and tell about the history of adinkra cloths, an art form from the Asante people of Ghana and the Gyaman people of Cote’ d’lvoire. Includes sites about the Ashanti tribe that also wears this type of clothing. There are also related eThemes sites on Africa and Ghana.

Grades

• 3,
• 4,
• 5,
• 6,
• 7

Links

• West African Wisdom: Adinkra Symbols & Meanings

  This site provides an index of the symbols featured on Adinkra cloth and what they mean.

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• Adinkra Cloth Presentation

  Use this PPT to teach your students about the history of Adinkra cloth in Africa.

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• Adinkra – Cultural Symbols of the Asante People

  This 26-page PDF provides background and information about the cultural symbols of the Asante people

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• The Adinkra Story

  This site provides a history of Adinkra along with the meaning of the symbols and how it is made. An activity is given for students to make their original Adinkra prints using a potato.

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• How is Adinkra Made?: Video

  This site is a YouTube video that demonstrates how Adinkra cloth is made. Subtitles are provided.

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• The Origin and Meaning of Adinkra Symbols

  This site contains a short history for several Adinkra symbols and stencils to use for artwork. NOTE: This site contains ads.

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• PBS: Create Your Own Adinkra Cloth

  Click on "Create Your Own Adinkra Cloth" for directions on how to make an adinkra cloth.

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• Adinkra Cloth Symbols

  Here is a list of Adinkra symbols and their meanings. NOTE: Site includes ads and pop-up ads.

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• Crafts of Ghana

  Here is an introduction to common crafts made in Ghana, including adinkra cloth.

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• eThemes Resource: Africa

  These websites are about Africa. Here you will find information about African people, governments, languages, and culture. There are interactive timelines and exhibitions where students can explore African history or learn about African art. Included are several eThemes resources on related African themes.

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• eTheme Resource: Country: Ghana

  These sites are about the Republic of Ghana, located in western Africa. Read about the customs, government, and history. See images of the Kente clothe and learn about the Ashanti people. There are links to eThemes Resources on Africa and adinkra cloths.

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Education Standards

• AL
  • G.2.2
  • G.4.2
  • G.5
• AR
  • G.1.4.5
  • G.1.4.6
  • G.2.4.1
  • G.2.4.2
  • G.2.5.1
  • G.2.5.2
  • G.2.6.1
  • G.2.6.2
  • G.2.7.1
  • G.2.7.2
• MO
  • 1
  • 1.1
  • 1.2
  • 1.4
  • 2.1
  • 2.2
  • 2.3
  • 2.7
  • 3
  • 4
  • 6
• NV
  • G.2.3.2
  • G.2.5.2
  • G.2.8.2
  • G.2.8.3
• UT
  • 3.1.a
  • 3.1.b
  • 3.1.c
  • 3.1.d
  • 4.1.a
  • 4.1.c

Request State Standards

Created: October 11, 2001 at 10:20 | Updated: February 05, 2013 at 04:26