MEXICAN HUICHOL BEAD SNAKES
MATERIALS
• Foamcore
• Craft knife
• Modeling clay
• Pony beads, 6 by 9 millimeters
Over the last century, the Huichol Indians in north-central Mexico have faced tremendous pressure to adapt to a modern way of life. Unlike many other native peoples, however, the Huichols have managed to maintain their language, ceremonies and art forms--chief among them the yarn paintings and bead mosaics for which they are justly famous.
To make their bead mosaics, the Huichols begin by spreading a thin layer of beeswax over hand-carved wood bases--primarily masks, bowls, jaguar heads and snakes. They then press thousands of tiny seed beads into the wax, creating intricate, geometric designs in vivid colors. This craft project, which mimics the Huichol process, uses modeling clay for the wax and larger pony beads (available at bead and craft stores), which are easier for small hands to work with.
INSTRUCTIONS
Help your children draw the outline of a snake on a sheet of foam core, then cut it out with a craft knife. With the modeling clay, your kids can coat the top surface of the snake with a thin layer of one or several colors. Set the beads out in bowls or cups and let the children create their patterns. Encourage them to begin with the snake's eyes and work their way down to the tip of its tail.
SAUDI ARABIAN HENNA HANDS
MATERIALS
• Watercolor paints
• Brushes
In many cultures, the human body is viewed as something akin to a blank canvas. The body may be tattooed, scarified and painted, often with ritual meaning. In the days before their marriage, Bedouin women of the Arabian Peninsula apply lacy designs to their feet and hands, using a liquid henna paste made out of crushed berries and water. The rich, red dye gives a polished look to the skin and is believed to be cooling for the hands and feet.
Ordinarily, young girls in Arab countries do not use henna, but you can let your children pretend to be Arabian women by having them decorate their hands and feet with watercolor paints.
