Last updated: October 7, 2019
Lesson Plan
Arts Crafts Clothing and Appearance: Parfleche, Quillwork, Basketry
- Grade Level:
- Middle School: Sixth Grade through Eighth Grade
- Subject:
- Literacy and Language Arts,Social Studies
- Lesson Duration:
- 60 Minutes
- State Standards:
- ND State Standards: Social Studies: Fourth Grade 4.2.2, 4.2.3, 4.2.4, 4.2.5, 4.2.6, 4.2.7, 4.2.8, 4.2.9, 4.2.10, 4.2.11, 4.3.2, 4.5.1, 4.5.3, 4.5.4, 4.6.1, 4.6.2, 4.5.6 Eighth Grade 8.1.1 ,8.1.2
Essential Question
How have the materials we use in day to day life changed over time?
Objective
Identify three arts and crafts from the Mandan,Hidatsa, and Arikara tribes.
Describe parfleche containers; how they are made and decorated and what they are used for.
Construct and decorate a replica parfleche container.
Background
This lesson is part of Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site Teacher's Guide for Grades K-8: Guide to the Earthlodge People. It was written by members of the Mandan Hidatsa Arikara Nation for educators.
The Arts, Crafts, Clothing and Appearance Unit is divided into two units and incorporates reading, discussion and hands on activities for students to explore Hidatsa culture.
In lesson 2, students will gain hands on experience in making and decorating parfleche containers. The emphasis moves away from abstract text analysis toward real world application.
Preparation
Student background information - read sections on parfleche and quillwork before working with students.
Directions for parfleche construction and decoration (in materials)
Parfleche Patterns (in materials)
Sacred Beauty, Quillwork of Plains Women Me Ecci Aashi Awadi (Trunk Item)
Materials
Download Box Parfleche Pattern
Download Envelope Parfleche Pattern
Download Box Parfleche Instructions
Download Envelope Parfleche Instructions
Procedure
Step1
Ask students to read the background material on parfleche and quillwork and answer the following question in their journal.
What are parfleche containers, and how are they made and decorated, and what are they used for?
Step2
Inform the students that many of indigenous designs are geometric or represent nature through flowers or animals. Although plains tribes had similar designs, some designs were specific to individuals and families; they were expressions of their individuality and interpretation of beauty.
Step3
Tell students that today you will create a design to draw that best represents you. Things for students to think about include: What is something that means a lot to you? What is something in the present time that you find pleasing to look at?
Step4
Have students design or draw their personal design using whatever medium you choose and have them explain why it is their design.
Step5
Students will choose a parfleche pattern and instructions to create their own replica parfleche container.
Vocabulary
Parfleche, whipstiched, quillwork, societies, burden basket, weaver
Assessment Materials
Students will be able to describe their personal design.
Students will have a model parfleche completed and be able to explain how it was made and decorated along with how it was used.
Additional Resources
Many arts and crafts of the Hidatsa served a utilitarian purpose such as parfleches, which were multipurpose cases made of rawhide, and burdon baskets that could carry large amounts of much needed items like vegetables. While they were often highly decorated, these were necessary adaptations and solutions to living in the environmental conditions of the Northern Prairies at the Knife River Villages.
On-Site
Look at the displays at Knife River and chose a specific piece. Take notes describing it in detail. You may sketch it if it will help you. Draw designs and indicate colors. What is the use for the item? Is the medium beadwork, quillwork, paint, tanned leather, other, or a combination? What interested you to choose this piece and how do you think and/or feel when you look at it?
Post-Visit
Choose an art project from the following and make it.
Burden Basket ("Way to Independence"pg. 34) Make one out of sticks and construction paper.
Pottery
Clothing
Parfleche. Use paper and colored pencils, crayons, markers or paint to decorate.