Hides That Reveal

Study Native American use of animal hides for homes and clothing.

• 1.

  Learn how many Native American peoples cured and used animal hides. The Plains Indians, for example, made teepees and clothing. Teepee designs often portrayed history, war scenes, and symbols of supernatural creatures related to the male teepees dweller's fast-induced visions and dreams. Hanging hides were often used for record keeping. If possible, find out how indigenous peoples in your area used animal hides, and which animals were available.

• 2.

  Roll white Crayola® Model Magic® with a dowel, rolling pin, or fingers to 1/8 inch (3 mm) thick. Let it stiffen slightly.

• 3.

  Decide whether to make a teepee or hanging hide. Use Crayola Scissors or a plastic knife to cut the compound into a pelt shape (hanging hide) or half circle (teepee).<br><b>Pelt</b>: Punch two holes in the upper legs with a punch or stick. Use yarn to hang the pelt from a stick.<br><b>Teepee</b>: Make a tripod with three sticks. Wrap the sticks together at the top with yarn. For stability, press the sticks into a base of recycled rigid foam used for packing. Then wrap the teepee hide around the sticks. Tie it in place with yarn. Let the Model Magic dry or cure.

• 4.

  Use Crayola Washable Fine Tip Markers or MiniStampers to create personal designs, with each student's history and dreams.

• 5.

  Share the stories depicted on these hides with classmates or families during an open house.

Benefits

• Students learn about Plains Indian life, including the people's use of animal hides for clothing and shelter.
• Students create symbols, in the fashion of those used by Native Americans, to represent and communicate their experiences and dreams.

Adaptations

• Less experienced students or those with motor disabilities may be more successful with the hanging pelts.
• More experienced students might construct an elaborate teepee. After lashing the 3 sticks together in a tripod, use another 3 sticks to form a rough circle at the base. Lash these to the tripod. Put Crayola School Glue on the outside of the sticks and the
• Write journal entries describing the meaning of each of the symbols on the hide. Explore the shapes and meanings of similar symbols used by various Native American tribes. How have people's experiences and dreams changed over the years?