Cycles: African Life Through Art

Type of Resource: Research Resources, Teacher Tools and Information, Online Exhibit, Student tools and information
Free or Fee: Fee
Computer Needs: Flash
Link: Visit the Site!

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Recommendation:

This site is quite beautiful in its presentation and takes the viewer in to each topic. The images are clear and in the gallery objects can be rotated three-hundred-sixty degrees. In exploring a figure various attributes can be darkened to focus the view on specific features. This is a nice tool when teaching about certain style or historical elements in an artifact.

Description:

From the Indianapolis Museum of Art, this site provides a look at four areas in the cycle of life in Africa through artwork. Youth, Adulthood, Leadership and Ancestors are the four areas. Each connects to a main interactive gallery of artifacts and a glossary. In each area there are three topics to explore. Again, each contains interactive components. Music accompanies the site. From the website: "Thousands of cultures in Africa see the stages of life bound together in a continuous cycle - a circle of birth, growth, maturity, transition and rebirth. Enter into this view of life through a selection of art and rituals from the vibrant peoples of the birthplace of humanity."

Possible uses:

Use this site to enhance a study of Africa. Find features related to curricular topics. Or use the site in its entirety. Share the artifacts on a projector and discuss the artistic techniques and cultural significance. Students can view the site on their own and then discuss pieces they found interested. Create a worksheet to focus their attention or to ensure certain information is ascertained.

Related Resources:

Pre-K, K-3, 4-5, 6-8, 9-12+

Art
Social Studies : History
Social Studies : Sociology
Social Studies : Archeology & Anthropology
Art : History
Art : Technique

Research Resources, Teacher Tools and Information, Online Exhibit, Student tools and information

Flash