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Sacred Images - Pictograph Sandpainting

Time Frame

2 class periods of 45 minutes each

Group Size

Small Groups

Authors

JOYCE KELEN
LEON MYRON

Summary

The student will design a pictograph representing one of the figures that inspired the artist, while observing the exhibit. While observing the exhibit the student will sketch a few pictographs onto a drawing tablet. The student will utilize glue and natural earthtone pigments that will be sprinkled onto the glue which captures the pictograph on the sheet of sandpaper.


Materials

  • Sheets of 80 grit sandpaper
    The sheets may be cut into half sheets or quarter sheets.
  • White glue
  • Natural earthtone pigments or sand that may be collected on nature walks
  • Black construction paper for mat
  • Pencil


Background for Teachers

The teacher will explain to the students that a pictograph is a form of rock art, such that natural earthtone pigments were utilized to draw the pictograph onto the sandstone. Whereas a petroglyph is a form of rock art, such that sandstone material has been etched out from a natural patina (dark-brown in color) sandstone background to expose the interior. See bibliography references. Prior to the lesson, provide a collection of different natural earthtone colors of sand. The teacher will provide multiple copies of rock art symbols duplicated from books. The teacher will develop a compare/contrast chart.


Student Prior Knowledge

The teacher will activate students' prior knowledge about Rock Art and the cultural/historical significance of the Utah Native American Indians: Northern Ute (Fort Duschene), Northwest Band of Shoshone, Goshute, White Mesa Ute, Piute, Hopi and Navajos. The teacher will instruct the class to know that each tribe contributed to the different rock art styles portrayed in the book and exhibit; Sacred Images.


Intended Learning Outcomes

The students will learn to be able to compare and contrast petroglyphs and pictographs. The student will analyze, evaluate and create meaning from the pictograph they have chosen by recreating it on a sheet of sandpaper utilizing natural earthtone pigments.


Instructional Procedures

  1. The student will draw a few sketches of pictographs observed during the exhibit or from the book, Sacred Images.
  2. The teacher will demonstrate the activity by choosing a rock art symbol-pictograph and lightly sketching it onto the sheet of sandpaper. Next, the teacher will outline the pictograph with glue in the areas that depict the image. Then, the teacher will sprinkle yellow ochre a natural earthtone pigment-sand onto the outline. Add pigment to glue twice. Set aside to dry.
  3. The student will lightly sketch their pictograph of the rock art symbol onto the sheet of sandpaper.
  4. The student will use glue to outline the pictograph and in areas that depict the image.
  5. The student will choose one natural earthtone pigment - sand to sprinkle onto the entire image. The student will repeat this process with the pigment-sand twice.
  6. The student will set their sheet of sandpaper aside to dry for 24 hour.
  7. The student will write a short summary of the meaning of the pictograph to be used in their own exhibit of works of art.
  8. The student will cut a sheet of black construction paper to be used as a mat and/or frame. Glue the sheet of sandpaper onto the construction paper. Allow an edge of 1" for a frame all around sheet of sandpaper.


Strategies for Diverse Learners

The students will compare and contrast the various styles of rock art exhibited by Sacred Images. The student will conduct a research project on a Utah Tribe and their contribution to rock art.


Extensions

Social Studies


Assessment Plan

The students' work of art - in this case pictographs will be displayed in the main foyer during school family night. Each work of art will have a written explanation or interpretation about the meaning of the pictograph.


Bibliography

Patterson, Alex A Field Guide to Rock Art Symbols of the Greater Southwest 1992


Created: 08/24/2006
Updated: 01/27/2018
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