African art inspires animal images.

For many people, the art of Africa seems distant and unfamiliar. Are there persuasive reasons to introduce African forms to elementary students? My answer is an unequivocal, "Yes!" I have found the artistic expressions of Africa have enormous appeal to children, teach vital art concepts and enlarge our understanding of the role of art in human cultures.

Animals occupy an important place in African art, belief and folklore. People who have lived in close contact with nature's creatures look to animals as models of desirable human qualities, as spiritual ancestors, as embodiments of spiritual forces, as legendary teachers and as entertaining characters in folktales.

Sources of Inspiration

The spider, bird, leopard and chameleon are animals that provide sources of power, inspiration and guidance.

The spider is widely admired as a clever weaver, cunning hunter and expert escape artist. Countless West African tales recount spider's laziness and gluttony, skill at tricking the powerful and evasion of punishment. These stories became the basis of the Br'er Rabbit tales.

The leopard symbolizes authority over life and death in many cultures, and appears in connection with the rulers of West African kingdoms as a power symbol.

The chameleon models both protective camouflage, which is useful in hunting, and the social skill of subverting individuality to the needs of the group.

Birds, with their ability to climb into the heavens, are seen as messengers to God, and are therefore associated with healing.

Animal Teachers

Other animals are legendary teachers, as the "farming lion" of the Bamana people, or spiritual kin to extended family groups. Among the Bapede, a Bantu people, men greet each other with their totemic names, "Good day, Crocodile." "Good day, Elephant."

Animals hold a universal appeal and provide motivation for a variety of activities and media experiences.

Studio Projects

Here are two examples of studio projects based on animals in African art. In grades K-3, students selected animals whose habits or nature they particularly admired and created a paper bag mask, a stitching or a clay sculpture based on the chosen animal. In grades 4-6, students studied the features of the animals of their choice, seeking the essential forms and creating an abstraction of the animal by simplification. Students may create a stencil or block for printing, or incorporate the form in a stitching, weaving or applique.