COMPARATIVE EXERCISE - POTTERY A to ZACOMA AND ZUNI POTTERYThis example of an artifact-based lesson demonstrates the comprehensive nature of the context support documents that are part of each artifact in the Artifacts Gallery. K-12 teachers, regardless of what level they might teach, can copy and modify the context support to create an effective and engaging lesson in science, math, Language Arts, Social Studies, and art. One need not know anything before you begin. We provide everything that you need in context support and can answer questions that might arise via our on-line support system. Try this lesson and see what your students have to say! WHAT YOU WILL NEED:1. Essay: "Background Essay - Pottery"2. Quick Reference Guide: Southwestern Pottery3. Glossary of Pottery Terms4. Acoma Pottery Description5. Zuni Pottery Description6. Spin Set Image: Acoma Pottery7. Spin Set Image: Zuni PotteryEXERCISE:1. Prior to class, read the background essay on pottery. You may want to make copies of the Quick Reference Guide and the Glossary of Terms for students.2. Project the Spin Set Image: Acoma PotIn groups, have students analyze the artifact and write down a description of the item. The description must be full and complete. It must include a description of the designs. No speculation or interpretation concerning use or design is to be accepted at this point.When students have completed their analysis, have them report to the entire group. As they report, write down the characteristics/description of the pot in a list on the board. Characteristics:Traditional olla shape, black on whiteSix "Heartline Deer" images on the centerFine line, geometric designs dominate the olla.Fine lines usually symbolize rain3. Project the Spin Set Image: Zuni PotIn groups, have students analyze the artifact and write down a description of the item. The description must be full and complete. It must include a description of the designs. No speculation or interpretation concerning use or design is to be accepted at this point.When students have completed their analysis, have them report to the entire group. As they report, write down the characteristics/description of the pot in a list on the board. Characteristics:Polychrome, dark-on-cream.Two "Heartline Deer" and center floretsSix birds encircle the baseThe Zuni Rain bird, clouds and rain decorate the upper portion4. ASK: COMPARE AND CONTRAST THESE TWO POTS FROM PUEBLOS NEAREST EACH OTHER. a. WHAT ARE THE SIMILARITIES? b. WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES?5. TELL THE STUDENTS: RAIN IS IMPORTANT AND BOTH HAVE RAIN SYMBOLS. CAN YOU DETERMINE WHICH ARE THE RAIN SYMBOLS?Allow them to determine which of the symbols might be rain symbols. Assist them with clues.6. ASK: WHY DO YOU THINK THESE ARTISTS INCORPORATED RAIN SYMBOLS INTO THEIR POTTERY? a. Important here to reinforce the idea that making pottery is a spiritual effort.NOTE:YOU MAY WISH TO DISTRIBUTE THE QUICK GUIDE TO POTTERY IDENTIFICATION AND THE GLOSSARY.IF STUDENTS ARE YOUNG, THEN WRITE THE IMPORTANT WORDS - SLIP, KILN, FIRE, COIL, SYMBOL - ON THE BOARD AND HELP THEM DEFINE THE WORDS.Start your 30-day free trial. No credit card required. Get Started
