Kente Cloth
Kente cloth has its origin with the Ashanti Kingdom, and was adopted by people in Ivory Coast and many other West African countries. It is an Akan royal and sacred cloth worn only in times of extreme importance and was the cloth of kings. Over time, the use of kente became more widespread. However, its importance has remained and it is held in high esteem with Akans. The icon of African cultural heritage around the world, Akan kente is identified by its dazzling, multicolored patterns of bright colors, geometric shapes, and bold designs. Kente characterized by weft designs woven into every available block of plain weave is called adweneasa. The Akan people choose kente cloths as much for their names as their colors and patterns. (Wikipedia)
The fourth graders studied the continent of Africa at the beginning of the year. In celebration of that, they made a kente cloth of their own using muslin and fabric markers. First, we looked at several traditional designs in a powerpoint slide show. Next, the students drew a sketch of their designs using rulers on their piece of muslin fabric. Finally, they colored in their designs using fabric markers. This project took four to five days to complete.
The fourth graders studied the continent of Africa at the beginning of the year. In celebration of that, they made a kente cloth of their own using muslin and fabric markers. First, we looked at several traditional designs in a powerpoint slide show. Next, the students drew a sketch of their designs using rulers on their piece of muslin fabric. Finally, they colored in their designs using fabric markers. This project took four to five days to complete.