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Lesson: Tomb Guardians - Asking the Dead for Directions
Lesson Plan
(PDF file)
Images for Lesson
(PDF file)
Along with paper, printing, gunpowder and the compass, the Chinese created a unique burial culture. While students are sure to know the lengths to which Egyptian Pharaohs went to both guarantee immortality and protect their tomb riches, they will truly enjoy exploring the tombs and traditions of the ancient Chinese. The first item that a visitor to an Emperors tomb might encounter would be the “Tomb Guardians,” figures that were thought to keep away both evil spirits and tomb robbers. These guardians were placed strategically at the North, South, East and West entrances to tombs. In addition to giving a glimpse of ancient China, tomb guardians offer an exciting opportunity to teach third graders their cardinal directions. Students will learn how to use a compass and identify both cardinal points and intermediate directions. They will create tomb guardians and correctly place them according to specific directions within the classroom. Students will gain a deeper understanding of the Chinese burial culture as well as compare and contrast art from several different Chinese dynasties and identify the correct dynasty in which the CMA tomb guardians were made.
Subject Categories:
History & Culture
Locale:
China
Grade Levels:
Grades 1-4
Associated Images:
Page 96 of 207 | On the next page:
Timeline of Chinese and Japanese Art
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