Multicultural Art Activities Involving Native American Indians
- Teachers can incorporate the values, cultures and lifestyles of the Navajo tribes into several curriculum areas as they explore their art. According to the 2000 census, the Navajo tribe is the second largest Native American tribe with a population of about 298,197. The Navajo people refer to themselves as Dine, which means "the people." Sandpainting is one of the Navajo traditions that students can enjoy completing. Explain that this tradition dates back many centuries and is a major part of Navajo history. As students work on their sandpainting project, play Navajo songs and chants in the background. Sandpainting requires students to draw a simple design on plain paper, fill in spots with glue, sprinkle colored sand in the designated spots for different colors and then shake off the excess sand and let the drawing dry. Following the activity, ask the students to write a short story explaining what the sandpainting means to them.
- The art of making dreamcatchers is a Native American custom that originated in the Ojibwa Nation. It is a symbol of unity among the various Indian nations. Constructing dreamcatchers can help students understand that Native American tribes believed in protective charms to ward off evil spirits. The Ojibwas made the dreamcatchers to hang over the bed. The dreamcatchers worked as charms to protect sleeping children from nightmares. They believed that the web trapped bad dreams, and these dreams perished at dawn. Use a ring, such as an embroidery hoop, that you can cover with yarn, ribbon or suede cloth. After wrapping the ring, use the ribbon or other string to form a web inside the loop. Crisscross the ribbon tightly, leaving a small hole in the center. Use the remaining string at the bottom to attach different colored feathers.
- Ancient Native Americans used a form of rock art to record their history. You can find many examples of rock art or pictographs in caves throughout the United States, especially in the Southwest. Students gain an understanding of how art and symbols can tell a story. They brainstorm ideas about how to depict certain objects before beginning an art project to simulate the ancient practice. Use large pieces of white butcher paper for the students to make a mural using symbols drawn with watercolors or tempera paint. Upon completion, hang the mural on the wall.
- Native American tribes all had different traditions about instruments such as drums. They made their drums in a similar fashion and used them to communicate over long distances. The native people also used drums in different types of ceremonies and in song and dance. They believed the drums had a spiritual significance. A good student art project is making drums from simple and easily attainable materials. A simple coffee can with a lid can be decorated with Indian symbols by wrapping the can with white or colored paper and drawing with markers or crayons. Attach the lid. It will provide the sound for the drum when tapped with the fingers or a small stick.