Handwoven Mats for Kwanzaa - Make Your Own Mkeka

Mkeka comes from the Swahili language. As Dr. Karenga states "The mkeka is the symbol of tradition and by extension history." The mkeka is a handwoven mat placed on a table where the six symbols of Kwanzaa are gathered. It is the foundation for all of the Kwanzaa items. It signifies aptitude and originality which is the spirit of the African people. It can be crafted from straw, fabric, or paper. An old African saying says "no matter how high a house is built, it must stand on something." Express your kuumba, or spirit of creativity, and make your own mkeka with items you may have around the house.

You will need 2 to 3 rectangular sheets of 12- by 9-inch construction paper in different colors (yellow, red, green, and black), a ruler, pencil, scissors, and glue.

First, fold one sheet of paper in half so that it measures 6 by 9 inches. Mark off every inch by placing the ruler next to the fold. Repeat this step on the opposite edge. Now, draw lines connecting the pencil marks. Cut through the paper along the pencil lines from the fold to about 1 inch from the unfolded edges. Unfold the sheet of paper and set aside.

Take the other sheets of paper and cut them into 1-inch-wide strips that are 9 inches long.

Choose one of the strips and weave it in and out of the cuts made in the first sheet of paper. Pull the woven strip snugly to one end of the larger sheet. Choose a different colored strip to weave in next. Pull it snugly next to the first strip.

Keep weaving in strips, alternating colors, until there is no more room on the larger sheet of paper. You can glue down the ends or leave them loose.

You can also use braided rope, colored yarn, or ribbon to make a handwoven mat. Cut 12-inch lengths and weave them together. You can bind the ends by gluing them down or using a darning needle and heavy thread to sew along the edges.

Celebrate Kwanzaa craftiness with this many-colored woven Mkeka mat craft. This is a neat craft activity for just you or for a group, especially for elementary-aged children in school and church, and the final mkeka craft makes a meaningful heirloom.

Get your whole family involved in the Kwanzaa preparations this year. The memories will last a lifetime.

Happy Kwanzaa!