Adinkra designs historically were used exclusively by royalty but in modern times have been used by all to express who they are. Adinkra are visual symbols, originally created by the Ashanti people of Ghana represent concepts or aphorisms (a pithy observation that contains a general truth). Adinkra are used extensively in fabrics and on pottery and are incorporated into walls and other architectural features.
Day 1: After reviewing the symbols on the work sheets choose four symbols that signify something about your character and belief systems. These symbols should be school appropriate and speak to the positive nature of your outlook for your future. email your Instructor explaining why you choose each of the symbols. colson@isd2142.k12.mn.us
Day 2: Redraw each of the symbols on a lino block as large as you can without distorting the symbol. Using the carving tools create four Adinkra symbols in linoleum (blocks) to use in an overall textile design.
Day 3: Based on the fabric provided, determine the overall composition of your Adrinka textile design. Include guidelines (borders), four specific areas – each areas will be dedicated to one design symbol. Fill the entire space in an orderly and careful way (grid?) with no “open areas”.
Day 4-5: Print your Adinkra cloth. Ink should be even ans solid – no partial prints. Overall design should be careful and adhere to the overall grid of the textile.
Iron the dry textile to set the inks. Sign the bottom right border with a black sharpie and leave in the rack for grading.
Extra Credit: Create a clay bowl with Adinkra symbols marked into the outside of the bowl in a orderly band (all the way around) or in an overall pattern to the outside face of the clay bowl. The bowl needs to be clean and ready to fire.
