KS3 Art – Cultural Patterns
Lesson 3: African Textiles & Adinkra Symbols (Kente Design Project)

Explore pattern, symbolism and identity through African textile design.

In this structured KS3 lesson, students investigate the meaning behind Kente cloth colours and Adinkra symbols before creating their own Kente-inspired design using repeated bands, geometric shapes and a central symbol.

This lesson develops cultural understanding alongside strong design and literacy skills.

What’s Included:
✔ Ready-to-teach PowerPoint with modelling and examples
✔ Kente colour meaning reference sheet
✔ Adinkra pattern explanations and symbolism
✔ Structured step-by-step design process
✔ Written evaluation sheet
✔ Homework research task

Students Will:

• Explain how Kente cloth uses colour to communicate meaning
• Identify repetition, rhythm and structure in African textiles
• Design a Kente-inspired composition using colour bands
• Select and apply an Adinkra symbol to represent a chosen value
• Evaluate their work using subject-specific vocabulary

Skills Developed:
• Pattern and repetition
• Symbolism in art
• Structured composition
• Colour meaning and contrast
• Written reflection using key vocabulary

Perfect for Year 7 or Year 8 as part of a Cultural Patterns scheme of work.

Clear structure. Strong cultural context. Meaningful outcomes.