Across the Sahara: Medieval Mali

History Lesson: 

Over a spring semester, students learned about Medieval Africa and geography of Northern Africa. They started by exploring different trade routes of the Sahara and different ways the indigenous Amazigh tribes survived in the harsh environment. Students explored Amazigh culture through recreations of rugs and symbols. They also learned about the prophet Muhammad, the spread of Islam, and how it shaped the region. As a final project, students learned about traditional Malian puppetry through Sogo Bó puppets. They used natural dyes for the ponchos, along with paper-mache, paint, clay, fabric, beads, and more to bring them to life!

Arts Skills:

Tie-dye

Map making

Clay sculpting

Painting