Egyptian studies at Evergreen feature Learning Through Art
From our weekly issue dated May 14, 2008
(Photo provided)
As part of their Egyptian studies program, fifth-grade students taught by Tammy Griffis at Evergreen Elementary School devised ancient cartouches and broad collars.
The cartouche was a gold, “Magical Oval” in which Pharaoh’s first name was written. In ancient times, Egyptians considered pharaoh to be a living God, and since the cartouche represented his insignia, only Pharaohs, Kings, or Queens of Egypt were allowed to wear one
The cartouche was intended to protect the pharaoh from evil spirits while he lived; and later in his tomb when he went to the afterworld. During the past 5,000 years, the cartouche has evolved into a universal symbol of long life, good luck and protection from evil.
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Evergreen fifth-graders created their cartouches with yellow posterboard surrounded by gold braid. Drawing their names phonetically in hieroglyphics, the students then covered each piece with a light coating of sand. The cartouches were finished off by adding a wooden bar at the bottom held in place with more gold braid.
In another re-creation from ancient times, the broad collar “weskhet” was probably the most characteristic form of Egyptian jewelry. Comprised of cylinders or tubes strung in layers around a central choker, the collar was a favorite of the gods and the pharaohs.
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Also believed to ward away evil spirits, it was bestowed as a mark of honor upon officials, dignitaries and soldiers as well.
To create their “weskhets,” the Evergreen students learned how to make paper beads out of old magazines pages. They then wove their paper and pony beads onto a “collar” base made from cut and hole-punched paper plates.
(Photo provided)
These workshops were sponsored by the IRVAC (Illinois River Valley Arts Council) Learning Through Art (LTA) program, with the help of volunteers Della Meengs, Noralene Harland, and Cathy Dunham. To become a part of IRVAC and LTA, which brings art programs to valley schools, visit irvac.com.
