Kachinas: The Stories They Tell Grades 6-12 (20 Min) Kachinas: The Stories They Tell uses a blend of live action historic footage, paintings, close-up photography and computer graphics to demonstrate a tight integration of the Kachina spirit world and daily social life of the Pueblo tribes. Beautiful images of masks, dolls and painted dancers show how the native people use art to give form to the many spirits they believe bring harmony to humanity and protect them from a harsh environment. The program highlights the solstice dances and secret ceremonies that give passage to the Kachina spirits, who travel from their home on the San Francisco Peaks to the mesas where the tribes live. Many different spirits are mentioned and explained as viewers see their respective art forms. Understand how the Pueblo tribes believe the Kachina spirits are a central part of their daily life and well-being. Learn how the children of the tribe learn social skills from the spirits. See how art is used to give shape to spirits in the human world. 1. Compare / contrast the Kachina of the West with the Buddha of the East. 2. Why do you think the Kachinas live in the mountains and only visit the tribes after certain conditions are met? 3. Discuss the use of demon and ogre Kachinas to scare children into following tribal rules. 4. Discuss the differences between the Pueblo children's use of Kachina dolls to that of American children use of dolls. 5. Do you think that spirits can really change the weather or ensure a successful crop? 6. Why do you think different tribes see the same Kachina spirits in a different way?
Petroglyphs: Stone Pictures Grades 6-12 (16 Min) Petroglyphs: Stone Pictures walks viewers through ancient volcano beds and other areas of the Southwest to reveal the mysterious etchings of pre-historic man. Close-up images and narration explain how the images were made and speculates about some of their origins. It continues by showing more recent work by 19th century tribes and even some European settlers. Learn the basics about petroglyphs; where they are, how they were made, approximate time-line of the images and the people who made them. See the difference between more recent "rock art" and the more ancient petroglyphs. 1. Why do you think petroglyphs are mostly found near rivers and other sources of water? 2. Why did ancient people make the stone images? 3. Did some petroglyphs have function, or were they just art? 4. What do you think the images meant? 5. If more recent tribes had other ways of creating art, why did they also make petroglyphs? 6. Is there significance to the fact that petroglyphs are found throughout the world?
Carvers of the Pacific Northwest Grades 6-12 (23 Min) Carvers of the Pacific Northwest gives a hands-on view of the revival of Pacific Northwest traditional art. Focusing on the work of Kwakiutl tribesman Richard Hunt, whose grandfather was instrumental in the revival, viewers witness the techniques of carving, while Hunt tells some of the history behind it. In addition to the Kwakiutl perspective, the program also tells of the other six tribes in the region, describing their geographical locations and the variances and similarities of their art styles. Narration also explains how the art of the Pacific Northwest almost vanished along with the native people during the westward movement of European settlers. It then moves into the 1950 s when organizations, schools and individuals began restoring existing art relics creating new pieces. Learn how settlers jeopardized native people s lives and culture. Learn basics about the seven tribes that lived in the region. Gain deeper understanding of the social and art traditions of Pacific Northwest natives. See how people can make a difference today by restoring traditions of the past. 1. How can the natural environment you live in influence your art? 2. Why is it important to revive past traditions and incorporate them into modern living? Can doing so ever have negative effects? 3. What could early American explorers and settlers have done differently to make life easier for the native people living in the region? 4. How did the Canadian government influence tribal culture and art? 5. How did the philosophy of transformation influence Pacific Northwest art? 6. Discuss the spirit of the potlatch ceremony.
Totem Poles: The Stories They Tell Grades 6-12 (16 Min) Totem Poles: The Stories They Tell begins in the misty forests of the Pacific Northwest, where gray dead wood becomes the raw material for beautiful and vibrant-colored totem poles. The program continues by bringing the art to life with close-up images and narration, which reveals some of the legend that explains its origin. The narration and images continue to describe how local tribes used totem poles in daily life, both symbolically and in architecture. Many individual stories are told about some of the vivid examples shown. With each story, the viewer is invited to imagine what the original artists were thinking and feeling as they created these icons that remain standing throughout the area today. See how Native Americans of the Northwest integrated art into daily life with the use of totems Poles. Understand how Totem Poles had social value as both symbolic figures depicting tribal history as well as practical structures used in architecture. Sense the connection between the tribes who carved the Totem Poles and the natural environment in which they lived. 1. Ask students why they think these tribes began carving totem poles. Do they have different ideas than those presented in the program? 2. Did the stories depicted by the Totem Poles mean the same thing to everyone in the tribe? How did the common people of the tribe know what the story was and what it meant? 3. In what ways do students think the tribes viewed nature? How is that view different than our view today? 4. Why did the tribes mostly use animals as the symbols on the totems?
The Arts of the East: China, Japan, India, Tibet Grades 6-12 (23 Min) The Arts of the East: China, Japan, India, Tibet explores the history of art in these countries and how they have influenced the world with their marvels. The art reveals an influence of religion as well as philosophies of balance and harmony. The program first takes viewers through each of the countries individually then demonstrates how they share similarities springing from wide spread religions. It also shows how the art from some countries in the region influenced others. Amazing architecture, sculptures, paintings and other art pieces sweep across the screen with vivid color. Learn to distinguish key features of Indian, Chinese, Japanese and Tibetan art forms. Learn how art from the East influenced art of the West. Learn how balance plays a major role in Asian art design. 1. Why do you think traditional Asian art steers away from the use of perspective and bright colors? 2. What is Feng Shui and how does it influence art? 3. Discuss the use of brush stokes in Asian art and how they relate to the artists state of mind. 4. How do various religions in Asia influence the art? 5. Compare / contrast tanka (banner art) with that of mandala (square) art.
Africa s Enduring Art: Now and Then Grades 6-12 (16 Min) Africa s Enduring Art: Now and Then is a lively introduction to the arts of Africa. The program focusing on the long tradition of mask-making but also shows other art forms such as sculpture, paintings, toys, clothing, metal work and an array of craft objects. Students will see today s African artists combine traditional and contemporary forms, and mix foreign ideas with older styles to create a vibrant new hybrid. Learn how indigenous people of Africa rely on their environment for survival and social needs. Learn how the traditional arts of these tribes play an important role in practical and spiritual life. See how foreign influences change the art and lives of the tribes. 1. Discuss some of the different uses of the masks. How are they similar or different to the practices of Native American tribes? 2. Why were the animals that lived in the area so important to the art? 3. What were the most significant changes to the art and culture after contact with European settlers? Discuss this. 4. Discuss the philosophies / styles of the ancient artists compared to those of the modern-day artists 5. Discuss the ethical implications of the modern-day use of certain materials, such as elephant trunks (ivory) and animal hydes.
In the Land of the Rainbow: The Southwest Grades 6-12 (20 Min) In the Land of the Rainbow: The Southwest paints a beautiful and honest picture of the culture and history surrounding the world-famous art that comes from the region. Opening images depict the dramatic Southwest landscape that inspired artists with its rich and diverse colors and textures. The program begins by exploring the ancient art forms left behind by the mysterious Anasazi tribe. It then looks at the more recent art of Hopi, Zuni and Navajo tribes and shows the relationship between them. Along the way, viewers become aware of how the external influences of both American and Spanish cultures mingled into the traditional practices of the natives. While showing close-up images of the stunning art, the narration explains some of the religious, economic and personal aspects of creating pieces that include baskets, rugs, dolls, jewelry and paintings. Learn about the ancient origins of Southwestern art and how it became integrated into past and present practices. Understand how cross-cultural events and activities are reflected into the art work Learn about the techniques and tools used to create the art, and how they have changed or stayed the same through the years. 1. Why is it important that traditional art practices are retained from the past and passed along from generation to generation? 2. How did the American government influence the art of the Pueblo tribes? 3. Discuss the social implications of separating different art practices between men and women in the different tribes. Do you think this should still happen today? 4. Do you think that incorporating art into religious ceremony makes the practice more meaningful or powerful? What other cultures practice this? 5. What new lessons can we learn from these ancient cultures and their art?
Woodland Tribal Arts: Native American Arts Grades 6-12 (23 Min) Woodland Tribal Arts: Native American Arts traces the history of the Native American tribes that dwelled in the East, known as the Six Indian Nations. The first part of the program emphasizes the practical functions of the people and their ability to create tools, raise crops and develop trade amongst themselves and with Europeans. The program continues by describing tribal art, which began as small and portable and became more dramatic and large as the tribes became less nomadic. Items from weapons to architecture are explained and shown in vivid detail. Learn about the first tribes to meet European colonists and how they lived prior to colonist contact. Learn how traditional woodland art transformed over generations as tribes went from being nomadic to sedentary. Learn how the Six nations believed spirits could heal and how their mask art gave those spirit form. 1. Why did early woodland art use mostly geometric patterns while later works used more floral patterns? What do you think influenced the Native Americans to use geometric patterns? 2. Discuss the fact that Woodland Tribes believed tobacco was a sacred crop and contained powerful medicine. Compare this to the modern tobacco industry and public use today. 3. Discuss the False Face Society and its belief that spirits were responsible for sickness and health. 4. Compare Native American clothing fashion to that of European settlers. What do you think are some reasons for differences?
The Art of the Eskimo: An Arctic adventure Grades 6-12 (23 Min) The Art of the Eskimo: An Arctic adventure brings warmth to the northern tribes; emphasizing their inter-connectedness to the animals they lived with and to nature itself. The program focuses on the Eskimo s mask art, which was used in dances that demonstrated the relationship between human and animal, Eskimo and nature. During the program, viewers get a sense of what it is like to endure long dark winters with no sunlight, and how such times gave rise to create arts and crafts. The program closes with a look at modern Eskimo art and its relationship to traditional roots and world markets. Learn how Eskimos rely on animals to survive and how they respect those animals. Learn about the complexity of Eskimo mask art and its social value. Learn how influences from the outside world changed, or didn t change the Eskimo community and art practices. 1. Discuss the Eskimo s reliance on whaling and the use of ivory, both which are denounced by environmental groups today. 2. Do you think it is strange that the Eskimos made their hunting gear as beautifully as possible to please the animals they hunt? Why do they do this? 3. What do you think it would be like not seeing the sun for several months at a time? 4. Discuss the fact that masks of the Eskimos were only be worn by men. 5. Do you think European and Russian influence had a negative or positive effect on Eskimo art?
Tribes of the Plains: Native American Art Grades 6-12 (23 Min) Tribes of the Plains: Native American Art begins by portraying the People of the First Man, also known as the People of the Soil. It traces the steps of these tribes as they follow the buffalo for survival and interact with each other, either peacefully or at war. The program emphasizes how the Plains tribes saw art as life itself, and that there was no separation between the two. Most of the scenes in the video focus on the actual art pieces with a vivid display of colorful and dramatic examples of this work. Learn about the Plains tribes' way of life and historic timeline. Understand how art and function went hand-in-hand with every aspect of daily life. See the differences in the art over the generations. 1. Discuss how music and chant was used as an art and what function it served. 2. Explain the concept of "People of the Soil." 3. Why did the tribes use amulets? 4. Explain Par flesh. 5. What are the similarities / differences of the Plains tribes use of tattoos and face painting to that of our modern culture? 6. What influence did Europeans have on the art? 7. Discuss the meaning of symbolism and color in the art. 8. Discuss the different roles of men and women in recording tribal history through different art forms.