Recommended Levels: 9-12
Time Frame: Three 45-minute class periods
Tribal Affiliation: Lakota “Cheyenne River Sioux”
Geographic Location: Northern High Plains (So. Dakota)
Developed by: Judith Newton
Email addresses of developers: Judith Newton
Date lesson was developed: July 25, 2001
American Indian Standards:
Art
Standard 1; level 4; understanding and applying media, techniques and processes in relation to American Indian/Tribal art
Standard 2 ; level 4; using knowledge of structures and functions in relation to American /Tribal art
Goal: To have students discuss and identify the signs and symbols associated with traditional objects of the past and to be aware of their deeper meaning in a cultural context
Behavioral Objectives:
· Recount the basic history of Lakota art symbolism
· Identify signs or symbols
· Define the meanings of the signs or symbols
· Reproduce through mixed media the students’ symbols of choice
Prior Knowledge
Needed:
·
Knowledge
of individual designs
·
Basic
use of art materials
Materials and Resources Needed:
·
Video
on Traditional Native American Art
·
Art
materials
·
Drawings
and photos of examples of Native American symbolic art
Lesson Summary
and Performance Tasks:
1.
The
students will begin by watching the video clips of Traditional Native American
design.
2.
The
class will view and comment on the use and selection of design on shields and
pottery, beadwork and quillwork items.
The teacher will present the representation and explanation of the
sacred animals and symbols.
3.
Students
will select a design and reproduce it in two-dimensional art. A typed explanation will be attached to the
artwork. Detail and exactness are important.
4.
Tribal
Art was used as self-identification (on dress fabric to show tribe, social
standing and location), within Ceremony and Tribal records (winter count), and
to identify things found in Nature within a locality.
5.
Assessment: Rubric scoring based on accuracy of reproduction of traditional signs and symbols used in Native American Art written explanation of the symbols depicted. The teacher will compare with original design.
Culture Content and Strategies:
Technology Integration: TV and VCR
Enrichment/Remediation: Students will use at least 3 references and research two examples of symbolic Lakota art of their choice. This information will be presented to the art class with accompanying visuals.
Teacher Reflections: This activity will take three 45-minute class periods in order to complete the historical information and art project. Additional research is encouraged.