National Museum of African Art

Academic Programs –> National Museum of African Art –> Ms. Roots's class, Drew E.S.

National Museum of African Art

During this unit students explore the continent of Africa and some of its art forms. After a brief introduction to Africa and its geography, students examine various pieces of African art, paying special attention to the connection between art and daily life. At the National Museum of African Art, students view in person many of the objects discussed in class. By studying objects ranging in size from huge masks to tiny bronze weights used to measure gold, students ponder ways in which size can influence an object's impact. Back in the classroom, students create their own artwork, inspired by pieces they saw in the Museum.


	A student displays her finished product before putting it away to dry. (top left) Using a fork to add texture, a student makes her own version of one mask seen during the trip. (top right) The class poses for a photo outside after the trip. (left) Students share various materials and input to creatively decorate their own African masks. ( bottom left) At the museum, students look for clues in a sculpture to find out about the peoples that made it. (bottom right)