International Week: Pakistan

This unit was assigned June 1.

Before we begin: I am learning about Pakistan along with my students.  If information seems incorrect, or not quite right, please do not hesitate to contact me to make corrections or provide context!

The green space is Pakistan on the world map

Last week we made art inspired by our community.  In this unit we will learn about another culture and make art inspired by another country and its people.  Pakistan means “Land of the Pure” in the national language, Urdu. Islamabad is the capital city, surrounded by the Margalla Hills. ​

Faisal Mosque in Islamabad with the Margalla Hills behind it

The building in the picture above is a mosque, a place of worship for followers of the Muslim religion (Islam). Below is the flag of Pakistan. The green color represents Islam and the white stripe represents other religions. The crescent moon is a symbol of progress and the star represents light. 

The Shalwar Kameez is the national dress of Pakistan and is traditionally worn by both men and women.  For my students, you will see a lot of your teachers wearing this dress as they teach you this week (I am wearing mine in the read aloud videos for this week). Some of these dresses are works of art with beautiful embroidery and details sewn by hand!

Just like in the United States, Pakistan is full of art history and artists who are living and working today! The painting below was done in the early 1600s and was an illustration in a book. Much of the art of Pakistan was done in mini versions for books with LOTS of tiny detail.

Study of a Nilgai (Blue Bull) by Ustad Mansur

Artist Naiza H. Khan is from Pakistan and she makes art that celebrates the history of her country in a new way! Artists that live in Pakistan today are still inspired by the history of their country but also by their families, homes, surrounding towns, plants, books, movies and animals.  Just like you!

Shifting Ground by Naiza H. Khan (2011)

How can you make art inspired by Pakistan?
Pick at least one of the activities below to complete in the next two weeks:

Activities:

• Throughout Southeast Asia decorating trucks is a form of art! Some of these trucks sell goods and others are making deliveries across the country! Check out the images of truck art in Southeast Asia: Truck art in South Asia
  Then, design your own truck art! Draw a truck (If you need help check out this how to draw: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pT7suW5PFNc ) or make a truck out of another material like cut paper or popsicle sticks: Popsicle Stick Farm Trucks - Kid Craft and then paint or draw on your own designs! Keep an eye out for Miss Budd’s demonstration of this project!
  To see more designs check out this video here: Pakistani truck Rebuild 2019 | Decorated Truck Video Full | Pakistani truck Art | Pakistani Trucker

• Explore the art of henna! Henna (sometimes known as mehndi) is a type of body art common in Pakistan. The leaves of a henna plant are crushes and if you put it on your skin it leaves a temporary stain.  For celebrations in Pakistan people often apply henna in beautiful patterns and designs on their hands, arms, and feet! To make your own designs trace each of your hands on a piece of paper and cut them out.  Glue the cutouts on a background paper.  Decorate the paper hands with all sorts of designs that are important to you! Traditional designs include the sun and moon, leaves, and flowers! You can follow along with my demonstration below and find the link to the project here  "Henna Hands:" A Simple Multicultural Craft for Kids
  If you have air-dry clay at home you can try to make a hand sculpture with henna designs like you see here: Kids Craft: Mid Century Ceramic Hand Dish

• Draw the flag of Pakistan using this YouTube Video: How to draw the Flag of Pakistan (by Art for All)
• Follow along with the Animals of Pakistan Draw-Alongs
• Listen to Miss Budd read Listen to the Wind: The Story of Dr. Greg and Three Cups of Tea.  You can find the story on TEAMS or at Read Alouds
• Create a hanging moon and star from a paper plate inspired by the Pakistani flag! The example adds words to celebrate Ramadan but you can decorate it however you want! You can find it here at the Pakistan Activities Page or at Ramadan Moon & Star Paper Plate Decor {Tutorial} by A Crafty Arab
• Khatam is an eight-pointed star pattern that is found in Islamic culture. You will see this design on tiles, boxes, and more.  This craft is inspired by the patterns of khatam. Recycled Khatam Gift Tag {Tutorial} and Kirigami Handcut Khatam {Tutorial} (If you don’t have circle cutters you can trace different-sized lids or plates)
• Lanterns are often seen as a symbol of hope during the Muslim holiday of Ramadan. 
  • ​DIY Ramadan Decoration 2020 ( Lantern ) طريقة سهلة لعمل فانوس رمضان من الورق لزينة رمضان
  • How To Make Simple Islamic Lanterns
  • Easy EID Paper Lantern | EID Lantern Craft Ideas for Kids | Easy & Cute Craft with Paper #eidcrafts (Make sure an adult helps you with using a knife)
  • https://youtu.be/Bp0BlFUGglo  (These are not specifically from Pakistan but would look nice with Pakistani-inspired designs like paper stars or moons)
• ​​The monument Minar-E Pakistan is in Lahore, Pakistan and is a monument to some of the important steps the country took to become what it is today! Draw Minar-E Pakistan using the YouTube Video: How to draw Minar E Pakistan, Lahore (by Art for All)

• Mosaics are an important part of art history in Pakistan. Artist Muna Siddiqui lives and works in Pakistan and has made a beautiful mural in the city of Karachi. Check out her artwork here: Muna Siddiqui's beautiful mosaic in Karachi is a call to recover a fading tradition Try to make your own mosaic using materials you might have around the house! Here is one way: Make Fun Childrens Mosaics - DIY Crafts - Guidecentral or here How to Make Paper Mosaics - Friday Fun