Polynesian Voyages and Island Connections
Culture Connections
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Nature as Inspiration
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Polynesian Motif in Contemporary Art
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This part of the unit provides students with evidence to support theories of migratory ocean voyages from west to east in the Pacific Ocean. It baffled the mind to conceive that ordinary humans could traverse so great a distance across the wide open ocean without any instruments. But with a sharp mind and a memory for star maps, celestial navigation led the people of the Pacific to new islands. Fish hooks and language, are two worthy pieces of evidence, and here is another...the bark cloth design and fabrication can be seen as evidence of commonality.
This portion of study on migration and art will introduce students to bark cloth manufacture and design, a traditional art form familiar in all parts of Oceania. Students will become acquainted with the different styles and methods of practice and technique favored by different Pacific Island groups.
Archaeology suggests that making cloth from tree barks spread to Polynesia originally from southern China and South-East Asia and has been practiced for centuries in this region. Students will discuss reasons why it is on the verge of extinction as a cultural practice but how cultural diffusion and need had kept this ancient art form flourishing for thousands of years among island people. The various plants and practical knowledge were transported on the great voyaging canoes from one island to another to perpetuate this important art form.
Students will be introduced to the process of bark cloth fabrication from the cultivation of certain trees, to the pounding of prepared bark with special tools; and from the collection and preparation of natural dyes, to the various design techniques.
Over the course of several lessons, students will examine authentic designs, view or handle artifacts and tools, and watch informative slideshows to see how this functional art is produced. They will have opportunities to experiment in contemporary ways with the design methods of Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, Tahiti, and Hawai'i.
Students will analyze and compare the work of various island nations and reflect about them in writing and/or orally. During the course of these lessons they will add notes, drawings, and inquiries to their portfolios.
Lessons will begin with design vocabulary, including symmetry, asymmetry, line, shape, proportion, and motif. Subsequent designs ideas will emerge from introspection and reflection on inquiry topics, family, home life, activities, dreams, etc.
Students will be encouraged to participate fully in a design process of sketching ideas, communicating verbally, and practicing with printing on a variety of surfaces. Portfolios will be assessed by students themselves, and students will select their best work to be mounted for display. Students will also display their work for public and peer review.
This portion of study on migration and art will introduce students to bark cloth manufacture and design, a traditional art form familiar in all parts of Oceania. Students will become acquainted with the different styles and methods of practice and technique favored by different Pacific Island groups.
Archaeology suggests that making cloth from tree barks spread to Polynesia originally from southern China and South-East Asia and has been practiced for centuries in this region. Students will discuss reasons why it is on the verge of extinction as a cultural practice but how cultural diffusion and need had kept this ancient art form flourishing for thousands of years among island people. The various plants and practical knowledge were transported on the great voyaging canoes from one island to another to perpetuate this important art form.
Students will be introduced to the process of bark cloth fabrication from the cultivation of certain trees, to the pounding of prepared bark with special tools; and from the collection and preparation of natural dyes, to the various design techniques.
Over the course of several lessons, students will examine authentic designs, view or handle artifacts and tools, and watch informative slideshows to see how this functional art is produced. They will have opportunities to experiment in contemporary ways with the design methods of Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, Tahiti, and Hawai'i.
Students will analyze and compare the work of various island nations and reflect about them in writing and/or orally. During the course of these lessons they will add notes, drawings, and inquiries to their portfolios.
Lessons will begin with design vocabulary, including symmetry, asymmetry, line, shape, proportion, and motif. Subsequent designs ideas will emerge from introspection and reflection on inquiry topics, family, home life, activities, dreams, etc.
Students will be encouraged to participate fully in a design process of sketching ideas, communicating verbally, and practicing with printing on a variety of surfaces. Portfolios will be assessed by students themselves, and students will select their best work to be mounted for display. Students will also display their work for public and peer review.