Fourth Graders looked at Kanga cloths from Tanzania. Kanga cloths are decorative and wearable fabrics that contain a blessing, advice, or a wise saying.
Wastara Nimestrika Mlilolitaka Halikunfika
"Destined to be safe, I remain protected, and your evil wishes
have not materialized."
Other examples of Kanga texts:
- • Majivuno hayafai — Greed is never useful
- • Mkipendana mambo huwa sawa — Everything is all right if you love each other
- • Japo sipati tamaa sikati — Even though I have nothing, I have not given up my desire to get what I want
- • Wazazi ni dhahabu kuwatunza ni thawabu — Parents are gold; to take care of them is a blessing
- • Sisi sote abiria dereva ni Mungu — We are all passengers, God is the driver
- • Fimbo La Mnyonge Halina Nguvu — Might is right
- • Mwanamke mazingira tuanataka, usawa, amani, maendelo — We (women) want equality, peace, and progress
- • Naogopa simba na meno yake siogopi mtu kwa maneno yake — I’m afraid of a lion with its strong teeth but not a man with his words
After exploring these beautiful fabrics, the fourth graders sketched their own geometric designs. Then, they carved them into styrofoam sheets, which they used as printing plates. They rolled printing ink onto the printing plate, being careful not to put on too little or too much ink. With practice and experience, they learned to use the correct amount by both looking at the styrofoam and listening to the sound as the roller went back and forth over the ink- ideally, it should make a sticky noise.
Printmaking is a somewhat variable and unpredictable process, which leads to a variety of different and beautiful results. This project is a great lesson in learning how to problem-solve and to trouble-shoot.
"Life has its downs that you have to turn upside down."
"Be Yourself"
"Try and never give up"
"Draw from the heart"
"You shall be protected"
"Life is a roller coaster- Ride it!"
"Things can be different than they really are!"
"Be creative"
"The world is a mystery"
"Love will never end"
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