Lesson plan based on Amenemhet

Explore tomb artwork, its placement, and its function in the afterlife.

Skills and Focus: Art History, Discussion

Subject Area: Fine Arts

Thematic Connection: Signs and Symbols

Grade Level: Middle School

Time Needed: 30 minutes

Objectives

• Identify the objects and figures depicted on the wall fragment.

• Recognize the different areas and chambers of an Egyptian tomb and their functions.

• Determine where the fragment was placed in the tomb based on the subject depicted.

• Analyze how this wall fragment increases understanding of Egyptian daily life and burial customs.

Instructional Materials Needed

Stories: What Does This Show? and How Was This Used?

Writing paper

Pens or pencils

Activity

Step 1: After watching the stories, discuss as a class or in small groups what students see on the wall fragment. During the discussion, have each student make a list of the objects and items they have identified.

Step 2: Explain the internal structure of Egyptian tombs. The underground chamber contained the mummy. The upper rooms were decorated with scenes of daily life. These rooms were open to the public and provided a space for visitors to leave food offerings or say prayers for the deceased. The ancient Egyptians believed that depicting the deceased with images of favorite foods ensured that nourishment would be available in the afterlife.

Step 3: Have students determine where this fragment might have been located in the tomb, based on the lists they created.

Critical Thinking Ask students to

• name the aspect of Egyptian burial that is shown on this fragment of the tomb wall.

• describe the purpose of this fragment.

• explain why you think the artist included these particular images on the fragment.

Goals

This activity meets Illinois State Goal 27: Understand the role of the arts in civilizations, past and present.

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