Advanced research projects are too advanced for children. However, children in elementary or middle school grades can do simple, topical research projects where they investigate a topic and write up a report on it. There are many possible topics for reports on the subject of African tribal woven art, such as the history or cultural significance of African tribal woven art. A child who does a project on the history of African tribal woven art, for example, can look into how African tribes started developing woven art by consulting history books in the school library.
Some African tribal masks are carved, but others are woven. You can make African-style tribal masks in your classroom using straw and wood. In this project, give your students access to straw and circular wooden frames. You can purchase these materials at most arts and craft store. Once you have the materials, masks are relatively easy to make. All you have to do is weave the pieces of straw across the frame, then paint features on to the straw.
Africans are well known for their bowls and baskets. One project on African bowls and baskets involves weaving these creations from straw. This project is somewhat more advanced than the mask project; it is appropriate for students in the middle school, rather than elementary school grades. Like the mask project, this project involves the use of frames. However, you have to weave curved lines in the bowl project, which is more advanced than weaving straight lines.
African woven necklaces are some of the most recognizable symbols of Africa. Unlike Western necklaces, African necklaces maintain a circular shape, as they are woven in a circular pattern and held firmly in place by sturdy fabric. One project on African jewelry involves making these kinds of necklaces by weaving several lines of straw in a circle. You do not need circular frames to make these necklaces. Instead, have your students weave their fabric in a circular shape several times, until you get a large circle that is one to two inches thick, with a large hole in the middle. For elementary students, a simpler version of this project involves cutting the middle out of a plastic foam plate and painting patterns on the remainder.