Quillwork+Inquiry+Plan



= Quillwork Inquiry Plan =

Outcome: __Principle of Art - Balance__ Artwork/Artist: __Quillwork Basket__ Grade Level: __Five__ Theme: __First Nations Art and Craftwork__


 * Observational Questions ** (encourage __description__ and __analysis__ using elements and principles of design, responses are mostly objective):
 * What do you notice about this basket?
 * What designs do you see?
 * What is the basket made of?
 * Can you find how this basket does or does not demonstrates balance? (Symmetrical, Radial)


 * Interpretive Questions ** (encourage __interpretation__ and __judgment__, responses may be subjective):
 * What is the significance of the designs on the basket?
 * Do different symbols mean different things? Can one symbol mean many different things?
 * Do you consider this basket a work of art? Why or why not?
 * Could this piece be changed to show asymmetry? Would it still be visually appealing? Would it still conform to traditional first nations art?


 * Selected Information** (includes information about the artwork, artist and period in art history):
 * Quillwork is a form of textile embellishment traditionally practiced by Native Americans that employs the quills of porcupines as a decorative element. ([])
 * Porcupine quillwork is an art form completely unique to North America. Before the introduction of glass beads, quillwork was a major decorative element used by the peoples who resided in the porcupine's natural habitat.The use of quills in designs spans from Maine to Alaska.The earliest known fragment of quillwork was found in Alberta, Canada and dates back to 800 CE. ([])
 * Porcupine quills often adorned rawhide and tanned hides, but during the 19th century, quilled birch bark boxes were a popular trade item to sell to European-Americans among Eastern and Great Lakes tribes. ([])
 * For more information on quillwork see resources at:
 * []
 * []
 * http://www.civilization.ca/cmc/exhibitions/aborig/mocasin/mocmaine.shtml


 * Notes for Inquiry** (may include vocabulary, follow up questions, troubleshooting tips, etc…)
 * //Vocabulary://
 * Quillwork
 * Balance
 * Porcupine quills


 * Suggested Art Activity** (describe the process, medium, technique, etc…)
 * Students may create a papier mache structure of a basket, moccasins or leather pouches.
 * Students will design a quillwork that combines representation for themselves as well as geometric shapes.
 * See Quillwork Lesson Plan for more details.