Adinkra symbols originated in Ghana, West Africa, and were traditionally stamped onto cloth using carved calabash stamps. Each symbol holds a unique meaning—such as courage, unity, or learning. Teaching symbols helps students begin to understand non-verbal communication, cultural heritage, and how visual art reflects values. This lesson fosters cultural appreciation and expressive artmaking.
New Jersey Student Learning Standards:
- 6.1.2.CivicsDP.1: Explain how individuals make decisions that impact their communities.
- 6.1.2.HistoryCC.3: Make inferences about how past events, individuals, and innovations affect our current lives.
- 1.2.2.Cr1a (Visual Arts): Brainstorm and explore multiple approaches to creating art.
Curriculum
- 4 Sections
- 4 Lessons
- 10 Weeks
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