Mask with Headdress, Deangle, We/Dan, Côte d'lvoire or Liberia, 20th century 1. Changing Traditions in our Lives Talk to children about traditions. Name traditions in our society that are common to all and traditions that are particular to children's own cultures. Talk about how some traditions change over time. Compare these changes to alterations in African traditions. For example, in discussing the tradition of Christmas, we can talk about how the traditional belief in the Christmas tree remains the same although some people buy plastic Christmas trees instead of real trees because it is more convenient or less expensive. Or we can talk about how people wear army fatigues or sailor uniforms even though traditionally these uniforms were worn only by people in the armed services. Now people wear this clothing as a fashion statement or to convey the idea of strength or power that is derived from the military. Compare the examples the students suggest with the changes in African traditions discussed in part four. 2. Changing Traditions in our Families Have children pick an age-specific ceremony or event in which both they and their parents before them (or other adult relatives or friends) participated. Encourage them to select an event for which there was a substantial amount of time between when the adult and the child experienced the event. Have the child interview the adult as to the adult's experience in the ceremony. Help children to prepare interview questions in advance such as: What did the adult wear for the event? How old was the adult when they participated in the event? Were there special costumes or clothing, foods, music, dances, songs, speeches, or prayers for the event? Where did the event take place? Who else was present at the event? Have the child review their interview with the adult and make a list or write an essay about the similarities and differences between the adult's and the child's experiences in the same ceremony. What elements of the event had changed? What had remained the same? Discuss the results of the interview in terms of traditional, modern, and combinations of the two. Review the changes in the traditions of ibeji figures and kente cloth in African cultures and how these traditions have changed with the times. Be sure to include ways in which modern conveniences and technical achievements may have changed certain ceremonies. If possible, encourage children to bring photographs or objects to illustrate differences and changes in the ceremonies and events. PART 4-PAGE 7 OF 7
SUGGESTED PROJECTS
Introduction | Part One | Part Two | Part Three | Part Four | Slide List | Museum Visit