Africa at KS3 and KS4
Discover a spectacular collection of inspiring and exciting
objects from Egypt, Benin and across Africa, including
colourful textiles, eye-catching masks, skilful metalwork,
furniture, ceramics and contemporary art.
Our resources support the following at KS3 and 4: art and design
(art outside the European tradition), citizenship
(multi-culturalism and global citizenship) or history (a unique
picture of African culture across more than 300 years).
Resources for the classroom
Presentations
Easy to use, self-contained slideshows
Throne of weapons and Tree of Life
Made from decommissioned weapons, these two
powerful objects are used as starting points to stimulate a
classroom work.
Download: slideshow ppt
(2262kb) supporting notes pdf
(250kb)
Classroom packs
What is African Art?
Essays for art historians discussing the range of artwork
created in Africa, its historical and cultural context and what it
means to the west. Supports KS4 and AS/ A2 Level.
Download: Word (145Kb)
pdf (97Kb)
Online resources
Online tours
Self-contained virtual journeys through the African
collection
Africa '05
A diverse range of objects from or inspired by Africa,
highlighting the continent's importance in world history and
culture.
The Wealth of Africa
A look at 4,000 years of African money and its links with
history and identity.
Views from Africa
Objects that reveal Europe's impact on African culture over
time, as perceived by Africans.
Useful websites
The Smithsonian Institution National
Museum of African Art
Africa
Internet Guide and Stanford University Library's Africa
pages
Learning
Africa – teaching and learning resources for UK teachers based
on recommendations of the Commission of Africa, a body set up by
the UK government.
British Empire and Commonwealth
Museum
Useful books
R. Jewell, African
Designs (London, The British Museum Press, 1995)
S. Kasfir, Contemporary African Art (London, Thames and Hudson,
2000)
J. Mack (ed.), Africa: arts
and cultures (London, The British Museum Press, 2000)
H. Adi, The History of African and Caribbean Communities in
Britain (London: Hodder Wayland, 2005)
C. Chambers, West African States Before Colonialism (London,
Evans Brothers, 1999)
S. Njami, Africa Remix: contemporary art of a continent (London,
Hayward Gallery, 2005)
J. Picton and J. Mack, African Textiles (London, The British
Museum Press, 1995)
F.Willett, African Art (London, Thames and Hudson, 2002)
Many of these books are published by British Museum Press and
can be purchased online, at the Museum shop or at any bookshop.
Teachers receive a 10% discount* when they quote
teacher0910 in Museum shops.
For discount online, visit www.britishmuseumshoponline.org
and enter teacher0910 on checkout.
*Discount cannot be used in conjunction with any other
offers.