African Crafts: Fun Things to Make and Do from West Africa - Hardcover

Garner, Lynne

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1556527489 ISBN 13: 9781556527487

Publisher: Chicago Review Press, 2008

Synopsis

From spectacular clothing and masks to pottery and music of Ghana and West Africa, this guide inspires children to try these easy-to-make crafts for themselves.  A great way to connect children to their African roots or expose them to new cultures around the world, this fully illustrated guide features step-by-step instructions and contemporary color photos that teach kids how to make their own creations.  Projects include how to design and wear Adinkra block-printed clothing, coil and decorate  unique pottery, create masks for special occasions, craft and play musical instruments, and weave decorative Kente cloth.  It includes a brief history of Ghana and West Africa and the traditions and history behind each craft, how they are made and used today, and their importance in West African society. A resource section listing books, Web sites, and museums for further exploration rounds out this fascinating reference.

About this title

About the Author

Lynne Garner is an art teacher and writer who has contributed to Crafts for Children, Making Cards, Popular Crafts, and Practical Crafts magazine. She is the author of more than a dozen craft books, including Celebrate with Cards,The Complete Book of Papercraft, and Native American Bead Weaving.

From School Library Journal

Grade 3–6—This combination travel memoir/craft book helps children to understand the meaning of the crafts and their importance to West African culture. Color photos, most of which were taken by the author during her visit to Ghana, appear on every page. A brief history of West Africa and Ghana is included. Children will learn that Adinkra printing (done with blocks carved from a gourd) has 53 designs, each with its own meaning and name. Kids can print their own Adinkra cloth using a potato stamp, and they'll see how to wear it and on what occasion. Adult help may be needed for some projects and steps. Other projects include pot coiling, making masks, and weaving kente strips. Children will also learn how to make and play a drum and about the role of music in Ghana today. With its combination of history, culture, and activities, this beautifully designed book will be a useful and popular addition to most collections.—Augusta R. Malvagno, Queens Borough Public Library, NY
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About this edition

• Publisher: Chicago Review Press
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 1556527489
• ISBN 13: 9781556527487
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 48