Curated OER
Folktale through African Art
Students study folktales and other stories from West Africa. By hearing and reading these stories they explore many new cultural and religious beliefs, such as spirits inhabiting nature and possessing special powers. Once the students...
Curated OER
Sundiata, Mali’s Lion King
Students investigate the history of Mali. In this African cultures lesson, students research the impact of Sundiata Keita as king of Mali, recognize the significance of historical Malian festivals, and create character masks to be worn...
Curated OER
Using West African Gold Weights and African Masks as a Way of Communication
Eighth graders discuss how communication, or lack thereof, can have either a favorable or detrimental effect on a community. They study and interpret proverbs as a means of teaching a lesson. Finally they discuss symbolism and design a...
Curated OER
Baga Drum
Students draw and design a musical instrument that incorporates a human figure or animal. In this musical lesson plan, students will discover the differences between African drums. This lesson plan is designed for elementary, middle,...
American Museum of Natural History
Dress Up a Horse
Walk, trot, gallop! Young equestrians have an opportunity to learn all about horses with an engaging resource that lets them select tack to dress up a horse, create flip books that illustrate the various gates, have questions answered by...
Curated OER
Granary Door Dogon, Mali
Learners explore a creation myth. In this visual arts instructional activity, students discuss the Dogon creation myth and the design and make refrigerator magnets in the style of Dogan granary doors. The design of the magnets should...
Curated OER
Two American Entreprenuers: Madam C.J. Walker and J.C. Penny
High schoolers identify the attributes that helped Walker and Penney to succeed as entrepreneurs. They compare and contrast Walker and Penney for similarities and differences in backgrounds and business methods.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Owie Kimou, Portrait Mask (Mblo) of Moya Yanso (Baule Peoples)
This article discusses the importance of sculpted masks in West African culture. Learn about the two types of entertainment masks, Goli and Mblo, and their role in masquerades.
Yale University
Yale New Haven Teachers Institute: The Mask a West African Ceremonial Object
Valuable background information on African masks and suggested lesson ideas for mask making activities in the art room.
University of Oxford (UK)
Pitt Rivers Museum: Masks and Carvings: West Africa
A perfect resource to better understand the African art form of mask-making. Reading sections include religious beliefs, design and decoration, and manufacturing.
Countries and Their Cultures
Countries and Their Cultures: Kpelle Kinship
The Kpelle are the largest ethnic group in the West African nation of Liberia and a significant group in neighboring Guinea. They are arguably the most rural and conservative of the major Liberian peoples. The only significant kin group...