African Asimevo Cloth

Study African weaving patterns and design orientations then create your own vibrant artwork with Crayola® Gel Markers on dark paper.

• 1.

  Before you begin your Ewe (pronounced E-Vay) Asimevo pattern, first research the various types of Kete cloths created by the Asante people of Ghana, in West Africa. The Kete cloth is similar to the Kente cloth created by other African people. Ewe Asimevo cloth is woven on a narrow-strip loom.

• 2.

  Asimevo patterns are created by alternating rectangles of woven fabric cut from long strips. This project uses two different patterns. Your replica of Asimevo cloth will alternate patterns and their orientations (directions) as well.

• 3.

  To begin your Asimevo pattern, divide dark construction paper into thirds in both directions, creating nine equal rectangles. Mark the edges of these sections with a bright Crayola Gel Washable Marker. The colors become brighter as they dry, so your patterns emerge as you create them.

• 4.

  In the first block on the top row, create an interesting pattern with bright Gel colors, using primarily horizontal lines. Skip a block, then copy the very same pattern and colors in the third block on the top row. Copy this pattern into the center block, and the bottom left and bottom right blocks.

• 5.

  Turn your paper 90 degrees (on its side). Create a different pattern, using contrasting, bright colors. Fill in all remaining rectangles with this new pattern.

• 6.

  Mount your Asimevo pattern on a contrasting color of paper with a Crayola Glue Stick.

Benefits

• Children study the patterns and colors in Asimevo cloth of the Ewe people of Ghana in Africa.
• Students compare Asimevo cloth to other African textiles, such as Kete, Adinkra, and Kente cloth.
• Children create visual representations of woven Ewe cloth by repeating patterns and changing the orientation of their papers.

Adaptations

• Challenge yourself to use more than two patterns in your Asimevo design. How many blocks will you need? How can you place the patterns to assure that the designs and their orientation vary?
• Research more information about the Ewe people of Ghana. Find out how Asimevo cloth is used in their culture.
• Compare traditional Ewe cloth to other fabrics created by peoples in Africa, such as Kente cloth or Adinkra cloth. Note similarities and differences, then create a textile sampler showing your understanding of these variables.
• <a href="http://www.africancrafts.com/educ/lesson/weaving/index.htm">Click here</a> to find directions on how to create a simple narrow strip loom.