Creative Workshop for Children 'What Does My Kanga Say?'

Creative Workshop for Children 'What Does My Kanga Say?'

The workshop is intended for children aged 6 to 12. Mandatory registration at [email protected]

Among the Swahili communities of East Africa, social messages dedicated to topics such as love, family, religion, and politics are communicated through the wearing and gifting of colorful kanga fabrics. Stylized motifs of plants, animals, and geometric shapes are often tied to folk proverbs and verses of poetry from traditional and popular culture. This is why it is said that kanga 'speak' - they reflect an individual's stance and reveal seemingly invisible social connections, thus presenting the cultural heritage of the inhabitants of the Swahili coast.

Inspired by the exhibited kangas from the MAU collection, we asked ourselves - how can their distinctive design stimulate the youngest visitors to 'speak' creatively about their interests and important events for them?

We will find the answer to this question at the workshop, where through drawing on paper, collages of images and texts, children will have the task of creating their visual solution for the selected messages. Guided by the design, symbolism, and color schemes of the kanga fabrics, children will set borders, artistic motifs, and messages that will convey their personal, or broader, social ideas.