The continent of Africa is home to some of the most spectacular wildlife on earth. The relationship between humans and the natural world is foundational to many systems of African spiritual thought and practice, so animals, both natural and supernatural, are represented in art across the continent.
Before printing these coloring sheets, we encourage you to check out the mini digital exhibition Natural, Supernatural: Animals in African Art to learn more about each art object. We’ve included engagement questions for each printable coloring sheet. Have fun!
Ibis
Ibis Egypt Late Period 26th dynasty 664 332 BC wood bronze paint Museum purchase 196183
An ibis wades in bodies of water, like the Nile River. Do you want to color a river around this bird’s feet?
Antelope Headdress
Antelope Headdress chi wara Bamana people Mali wood metal string Museum purchase with funds provided by Harold and Regina Simon and Jay Jacobs by exchange 198726
The buffalo is a powerful creature. What colors do you think are powerful? Will those be the colors you use for this mask?
Chief’s Crown
Chiefs Crown sika kle About 1950 1960 Baule people Côte dIvoireVillage of Kondiehinou textiles cardboard wood gold leaf Gift of Ellen and Fred Elsas 1986778
Elephants are large and very wise. In nature, elephants are gray, but here it can be any color you want. What color will you choose and why?
Porcupine Quill Shirt
Porcupine Quill Shirt Bamenda people Western Grasslands Republic of Cameroon Collection of the Art Fund Inc at the Birmingham Museum of Art Purchase with funds provided by Martha Pezrow Dick Jemison and the Art FundInc AFI262013
Porcupine quills are very sharp. Why would someone wear a shirt or crown made of porcupine quills? How will you color this to make the quills look sharp?
