Adinkra Lions

Adinkra Symbols

• Adinkra are visual symbols, originally created by the Akan people.

• The Akan are an ethnic group in Africa, native to Ghana and the Ivory Coast

Adinkra are used in fabrics, pottery, logos, advertising, and even t-shirts and jewelry.

Step 1• Use the large template

to race the template to create the outside edge of the lions mane

• Use the smaller template to trace the the lion’s face

Step 2• Add the lion’s eyes,

ears, nose, mouth, and whiskers to the drawing

• Divide the mane into at least four sections

Step 3• Use watercolor to

paint each section of the lions mane a different color

• Paint the eyes, nose, and whiskers as well

• You may also paint the face and ears

Step 4• After the paint has

dried, use a marker to create a pattern in each section of the mane.

• In at least two of the sections Adinkra symbols should be used as part of the pattern.

• Cut the lion out and glue it to a piece of black paper.