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Kayla M. |
Billy |
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Woven Mkeka Mats
A mkeka is a woven straw mat that represents the traditions and history of African Americans. Other Kwanzaa symbols are placed on the mkeka.
To make a mkeka, you first make a weaving sheet by folding construction paper in half width-wise and cutting a line every inch (2.5 cm), beginning at the folded edge and stopping one inch (2.25cm) from the ends of the paper. Make weaving strips by cutting one inch 2.5cm strips across the width of construction paper. To weave, invite students to use one of the strips to slide over and then under the slats of the weaving sheet. Have students repeat with another strip. weaving the opposite way (first under , then over). Encourage the students to make patterns with the Kwanzaa colors - green, red and black. When all the strips have been woven, have students glue the ends to the weaving sheet to secure them.
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Kayla M. |
Billy |
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