1st graders learned about adinkra symbols created by the Akan people of Ghana in West Africa. Adinkra symbols are visually symbols that represent concepts or aphorisms. "The symbols have a decorative function but also represent objects that encapsulate evocative messages that convey traditional wisdom, aspects of life, or the environment. There are many different symbols with distinct meanings, often linked with proverbs.
" We watched a
few video clips that demonstrated the dye being created, the symbols being created, and the printing of the symbols on fabric.
The first graders then created their own adinkra cloth with the use of yellow, green, red, and black construction paper. They used adinkra sponges to print their symbols and also drew out ones that wanted represented in their cloth. We used red, yellow, green, and black because those are the colors found in the Ghana flag.
Here is an example of one in progress:
Here are some more examples of the adinkra process:
