I have to make a comic strip of trade and West Africa, and I am kinda at a loss, any suggestions??
Are you talking about the triangular trade in the 18th century?
This site should give you some ideas.
http://www.nmm.ac.uk/freedom/viewTheme.cfm/theme/triangular
like how they used the salt trade because they couldn't communcate, but I'm not exactly sure how the salt trade system worked, so I'm not sure what to draw
Salt didn't have much to do with communication. Check these sites.
http://library.thinkquest.org/13406/sh/
http://www.mrdowling.com/609-trade.html
thanks, but I still am at a loss! I don't know what do draw to represent this! Can you give me an idea please?
Certainly! Creating a comic strip about trade in West Africa can be a fun and visually engaging way to represent its historical significance. Here are a few suggestions to help you get started:
1. Research: Begin by learning about the history of trade in West Africa. Explore the different empires, such as the Ghana, Mali, and Songhai empires, who played a crucial role in the region's trade networks. Understand the goods exchanged, the routes taken, and the cultural interactions that took place.
2. Plot: Think about the storyline you want to convey through your comic strip. Consider including key elements like trade routes, trade goods, major cities or trading posts, and the people involved (merchants, craftsmen, rulers, etc.)
3. Characters: Develop characters that best represent the time period and culture of West Africa. This could include traders, merchants, African rulers, Arab traders, or European explorers.
4. Visuals: Pay attention to visual details. Research clothing, architecture, and landscapes of that specific time and region to ensure accuracy. Remember to incorporate elements like the Sahara Desert, the Niger River, and major trading centers like Timbuktu or Gao.
5. Dialogue: Use dialogue bubbles to convey conversations between characters and provide historical context. Include information about the goods being traded, cultural exchanges, and transformations that occurred due to trade.
6. Paneling: Divide your comic strip into panels to create a sequential flow of the story. Consider using different panel sizes and layouts to highlight important scenes or actions.
7. Color and Style: Decide on a color palette and art style that complements your narrative. Consider using warm, earthy tones to capture the essence of the region, or explore vibrant colors inspired by traditional West African art.
8. Storytelling: Remember that a comic strip allows you to tell a story visually. Utilize visuals and minimal text to convey your message effectively.
Remember to have fun, be creative, and use your research to bring your comic strip to life. Good luck with your project!