Activity 2: "Revered Relics"
Katana: A Samurai Sword of the Nakaji Ancestors
Description of Activity:
In this activity, students will research an artifact from a culture (their own or a culture of their choice) that was regarded as sacred to their people. Using recyclable materials, students will create a "revered relic". On a separate sheet of paper, they will indicate where the relic originated from (country/island), its purpose, and why they chose that item.
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs):
In this activity, students will research an artifact from a culture (their own or a culture of their choice) that was regarded as sacred to their people. Using recyclable materials, students will create a "revered relic". On a separate sheet of paper, they will indicate where the relic originated from (country/island), its purpose, and why they chose that item.
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs):
- Students will be able to research background information on (their own or another culture's) artifacts
- Students will be able to produce an artificial relic using recyclable matierals
- Students will be able to write about the artwork explaining its origin, purpose, and why they chose it
Common Core Standards
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Guam Content Standards: Fine Arts
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![Picture](/uploads/9/8/7/0/9870631/2641472.png)
"Revered Relics"
“That belong to your ancestor. Long time ago. Nobody since then bring disgrace or shame to the name of the family,” said papa (pg 164). The Katana was a very honored item in the household of the Nakaji. It was passed down from generations and now given to Tomi to look after. Do you have any items in your household that you and your family hold dear? Use to the internet to explore different items of heritage from various cultures. Create your own replica of that artifact using recyclable materials. [Some ideas: sinahi (Guam), katana (Japan), love stick (chuuk), gunyege (Africa).]
Directions
PART I:
PART II:
On a separate sheet of paper indicate (1) where the relic originated from, (2) its purpose, and (3) why you chose that specific item.
“That belong to your ancestor. Long time ago. Nobody since then bring disgrace or shame to the name of the family,” said papa (pg 164). The Katana was a very honored item in the household of the Nakaji. It was passed down from generations and now given to Tomi to look after. Do you have any items in your household that you and your family hold dear? Use to the internet to explore different items of heritage from various cultures. Create your own replica of that artifact using recyclable materials. [Some ideas: sinahi (Guam), katana (Japan), love stick (chuuk), gunyege (Africa).]
Directions
PART I:
- Search on the web, books, and articles to gather ideas on historic pieces of culture.
- Gather recyclable materials (i.e., shoe box, plastic, bottles, cans, straws, paper, rubber bands, etc.)
- Have fun creating, decorating, and fashioning your revered relic.
PART II:
On a separate sheet of paper indicate (1) where the relic originated from, (2) its purpose, and (3) why you chose that specific item.
Supplementary Reading Materials and Internet Sources to Extend Students' Understanding of the Content:
http://www.visit-micronesia.fm/culture/index.html
http://www.guampedia.com/ancient-chamorro-jewelry-manmade-accessories-and-body-coverings/
http://www.daa.wa.gov.au/en/Heritage-and-Culture/Aboriginal-heritage/Aboriginal-objects/
Books that celebrate heritage and culture:
Culture by Lisa Gezon (Nonfiction, appropriate for 7th grade and up)
Mixed: An Anthology of Short Fiction on the Multiracial Experience edited by Chandra Prasad (Nonfiction, appropriate for 7th grade and up)
The Tequila Worm by Viola Canales (Fiction, 7th grade and up)