Objectives
Ultimately this curriculum unit hopes to help broaden student cultural perspectives about Native American folk traditions. Through the study of several folk crafts, students will be able to recognize and appreciate a variety of craft traditions that are being carried on in the Native American community. They will become familiar with Pueblo pottery styles and characteristics as well as Navajo weaving techniques. Knowledge of the traditional value placed on archeological sites and artifacts will be gained while participating in this unit. Additionally in the course of their studies students will be able to complete the following crafts projects:
Prehistoric Native cordage making. Create a length of cordage using techniques used by
prehistoric peoples of the southwest.
Pueblo style pottery. Shape a ceramic pot using the coil and scrape method. Decorate using traditional techniques. Experience techniques used by the Pueblo people for generations.
Mini blanket weaving. Weave a small blanket during the study of Navajo weaving, using traditional Navajo weaving as inspiration.
Journal writing. Produce writings based on Native folk tales presented during guided imagery sessions. Understand the value of the oral tradition in Native cultures.
Sand symbols. Create personal symbolism in the form of sand pictures during the study of Navajo sandpainting. Evaluate the importance of sandpainting in Navajo culture.
Rock art symbols. Use materials to create personal symbolism to be placed on individual and group displays. Understand the concept and importance of preservation from multiple perspectives, archeological and Native American.
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