ACTIVITY
IDEAS
Arkansas Archeology Month
- March 2004 -
Theme: Containers Before Plastic
So many of our containers and packages today are made of plastic,
but before plastic was available, people made containers out of wood,
fiber,
metal, hide, glass, and clay. There were glass bottles, ceramic tureens,
splint baskets, leather bags, and wood boxes among the many different
kinds of containers. Exhibits can explore the different shapes of containers
and the different materials of which they were made, as well as exploring
the great variety of items they held. Craft classes on making early containers
offer activity possibilities.
Ideas for Archeology Month Activities
- Make a display of
different kinds of containers, including those made of wood, basketry,
hide, clay, metal, gourds, etc. Examine how each was
used.
- Sponsor a hands-on
activity to make containers from various materials. Use paper (origami),
weaving, carving, clay modeling, etc.
Teach a make-and-take
class on pottery. Let participants make a coil or pinch pot, and decorate
it using designs found on Native American
pottery or patterns from historic plates.
- Make a side-by-side
comparison of ancient and modern containers. What are the similarities
and differences in those used to hold food, water,
make-up, cleaning supplies, etc.
- Conduct a tour to a modern potter's shop. Explore the process of making pottery.
Program
Submission Form*****
You can also review activity ideas from past Archeology Weeks and Months:
- Archeology Month 2006: Merchants & Traders
- Archeology Month 2005: Life on the Rivers
- Archeology Month 2004: Containers Before Plastic
- Archeology Month 2003: Archeology & the Louisiana Purchase
- Archeology Month 2002: Made From Clay - Cooking & Craftsmanship
- Archeology Week 2001: Archeological Parks
- Archeology Week 2000: Clothing
