Mythology: African
Though Africa is a very close to the Greek
and Roman areas, their beliefs couldn’t be farther. Their way of life is
completely different and leads to an entirely different mythology. This
unit tends to lead more to the mythology of the stars and astrology
rather than gods and goddesses. Much of their beliefs come out in the
stars–which to my way of thinking makes a ton of sense.
African Amulet
African Amulets are small pouches that contain items that have been
blessed by the tribes “Witch Doctor.” Though this term isn’t exactly
accurate for their actual duties it is the common name for them–since
the mid 19th century. We will actually be doing this first as we will
need the extra peace of mind before we take on an adventure such as one
that Africa offers. The Amulet that we are “creating” is a “Good LUCK”
charm. It’s intended for the home, but I think it will serve our
purpose.
Amulet: http://www.mediafire.com/?ohcaof5of1lf7bp
Amulet: http://www.mediafire.com/?ohcaof5of1lf7bp
Cave Drawings
I debated on whether or not to do this. I finally decided that I am
going to do this as I am going to use it as part of our lesson. meaning
we are going to go on a safari and we will “discover’ the cave
drawings. This will lead into our discussion on the sun and moon and
the milky way. And it will lead into our story telling portion of our
lesson. Just as I felt the runes and hieroglyphs were important, I
think primitive cave drawings are just as important to this lesson
plan. It tells us where the stories and myths began.
here are the instructions: http://www.dltk-kids.com/world/africa/sand_paper_art.htm
I plan on just letting the kids have some fun with this and not set any specific design–short of showing them what actual cave drawings looked like, they will have full creative license. BUT if you would like some pictures for them to glue on to cardstock instead of this craft there is a link to a pdf on the DLTK site, or you can click here to get it:
http://carlos.emory.edu/ODYSSEY/Teachers/ll/African_art_lesson_plans/Dogon_Designs.pdf
here are the instructions: http://www.dltk-kids.com/world/africa/sand_paper_art.htm
I plan on just letting the kids have some fun with this and not set any specific design–short of showing them what actual cave drawings looked like, they will have full creative license. BUT if you would like some pictures for them to glue on to cardstock instead of this craft there is a link to a pdf on the DLTK site, or you can click here to get it:
http://carlos.emory.edu/ODYSSEY/Teachers/ll/African_art_lesson_plans/Dogon_Designs.pdf
Oral Story Telling
This is a craft project that will result in Popsicle stick held masks
that they can use to tell tales. Much of the African Mythology (for
all tribes) is based on oral histories and story telling. This study
would not be complete without focusing on this form of story telling.
original posting: http://pbskids.org/africa/mask/index.html
Mask Puppets: http://www.mediafire.com/?n5ddh06z8k7osjd
Savannah picture of sorts: http://www.mediafire.com/?83uwtg71h2mqwwm
The only difference is that the masks are smaller so that they can be glued onto the sticks. I used the smaller “regular” size Popsicle sticks. I also wrote the name of each mask on the end of the stick so that there was no confusion. The Savannah picture is really a watering hole with a crock. It’s really only for a background page for their puppets, if they want one.
original posting: http://pbskids.org/africa/mask/index.html
Mask Puppets: http://www.mediafire.com/?n5ddh06z8k7osjd
Savannah picture of sorts: http://www.mediafire.com/?83uwtg71h2mqwwm
The only difference is that the masks are smaller so that they can be glued onto the sticks. I used the smaller “regular” size Popsicle sticks. I also wrote the name of each mask on the end of the stick so that there was no confusion. The Savannah picture is really a watering hole with a crock. It’s really only for a background page for their puppets, if they want one.
Tales of the Stars
Bushman: Sun and Moon
The bushman have legends of the sun and moon, as all of the tribes
do. For this portion we will just focus on the Bushman’s tale. The
mini-book below covers both.
Mini-book: http://www.mediafire.com/?chojzvhgz3h8th3
The Milky Way The more I learn about African Mythology the more I find involve the stars and other Astrological wonders. So after first disregarding this tale, I have come back and have made room in our study for it. Be warned, it does have the tale of a badly behaving little girl. Nothing happens to her, but she does throw a tantrum that causes the milky way to be created.
Mini-book: http://www.mediafire.com/?cykf36q1zgngdea
The Southern Cross–GIRAFFES???? Just as the Greeks have named the constellations based on their stories and beliefs, the people of Africa have done the same. They have taken things from their every day life and have found a connection with the stars. And for them, The Southern cross–looks like a group of Giraffes. Though the different tribes have some differences in who is who, they all believe the same way. The constellation also signals when it’s time to make sure the planting is done.
mini-book: http://www.mediafire.com/?cmoke1ic30kvimy
Mini-book: http://www.mediafire.com/?chojzvhgz3h8th3
The Milky Way The more I learn about African Mythology the more I find involve the stars and other Astrological wonders. So after first disregarding this tale, I have come back and have made room in our study for it. Be warned, it does have the tale of a badly behaving little girl. Nothing happens to her, but she does throw a tantrum that causes the milky way to be created.
Mini-book: http://www.mediafire.com/?cykf36q1zgngdea
The Southern Cross–GIRAFFES???? Just as the Greeks have named the constellations based on their stories and beliefs, the people of Africa have done the same. They have taken things from their every day life and have found a connection with the stars. And for them, The Southern cross–looks like a group of Giraffes. Though the different tribes have some differences in who is who, they all believe the same way. The constellation also signals when it’s time to make sure the planting is done.
mini-book: http://www.mediafire.com/?cmoke1ic30kvimy