Artifact+Collection

__**Aztec Artifacts**__   **__Huitzilopochtli__** The above is a photograph of Huitzilopochtli and the spectacular Aztec Empire. **__Clay Figure__** In 1994 there was an intriguing discovery found. Archaeologists uncovered a 6 foot tall clay figure which had its liver hanging out and long clawed hands. It also had holes in its head, and it is thought that these holes were filled with human hair. The statue known as Mictlantecuhtli dates back to 1480 and is considered to be Ruler of the Underworld which is god of death. **__Florentine Codex__** There was another interesting discovery. The Florentine Codex is a compilation of 12 books by Bernardino de Sahagun. This collection is important because it was one of the first documents that introduced the Aztec empire to the old world. It was written with pictures, Nahuatl, and some Spanish. Some people believe the codex didn’t share the truth, but shared only what the Spanish wanted to see, but learning more about the Aztec Empire, and how it came to its demise will only be more helpful to all.

**__Feather Shield__** An Aztec Feather Shield was discovered 300 years after it was created. After so many years, it was a very unusual finding. The shield was decorated with a mosaic of feathers with a blue figure surrounded by a red background. There are differences of opinions as to what the figure actually was. Some think the blue figure was a coyote which was a patron of elite Aztec knights. Others think the symbol stood for the water monster Ahuizotl of Aztec Mythology which was also a symbol of ceremony and artistic ability of the Aztec people. __**Aztec Tomb**__ In 2007, scientists may have found the first tomb of an Aztec ruler to ever be discovered. I find this possible discovery very pertinent to the history of the Aztecs. Although the tomb was filled with water, scientists believe it had up to 4 chambers. It is so amazing that the Aztec people were able to move such huge stones. If this is a crypt, it may hold the remains of Emperor Ahuizotl. __**Calendar Stone**__ In December of 1798, a 25 ton Aztec Calendar Stone was found after being lost. This calendar stone is a Symbol of Mexico that illustrates visions of the Aztec universe and gods. I think this particular find is very significant because it has enhanced interest in the Aztecs. __** Egyptian Artifacts **__ __**Hieroglyphics**__ I would bring in a gold hieroglyphics necklace from Egypt that has my name crafted into it. My Uncle was stationed in Egypt in the military and sent it over to me. This is a great example of for when I discuss that their written language was hieroglyphics and show some letters that are represented by them. I also have a piece of papyrus that has a picture painted on it that has Hieroglyphs and my horoscope sign on it. It gives the children a chance to feel true papyrus as well, which will be mentioned in my lesson.

__**Handmade Camels from Egypt**__ I have two handcrafted leather camels that my dad brought back from when he visited Egypt. Since children think of camels when they think of Egypt, I figured I would have a representation of them. They are very unique and an interesting depiction because they have sparkle thread and confetti pieces tied to them. It is another interesting item that can be passed around the class and help the students make their own connection to ancient Egypt by what they know about camels. It could also be used to introduce some facts about camels and tie in some science to the unit.

**__Pictures of Pyramids/Sphinx__** The other things children usually associate with Egypt are pyramids, so I will include some pictures of pyramids and the sphinx. I will include some information about pyramids on one of the days and discuss how sometimes they contain burial chambers that contain pharaohs. This will also lead into the steps of the mummification process, because who can discuss Ancient Egypt and not bring up mummies. I will include pictures of the great pyramids, the sphinx, and different tombs. In addition, I also have a miniature replica of a sarcophagus from Egypt to show the students what the pharaohs would have been buried in within their tombs.

__**Tear Bottle**__ I also have a tear bottle that was shipped to me from Egypt. A tear bottle was used by mourners to collect their tears and be placed in burial tomb as a symbol of love and respect. The more tear bottles present within a tomb symbolized that that person was more valued and important than other deceased. It is an interesting tradition from Ancient times and has actually been seen throughout history in different locations. I thought it was a beautiful artifact and was very interested to learn about is history and can easily incorporate it into my lesson about burials tombs and mummification.

__**Framed Art**__ I have a framed piece of artwork that features ancient hieroglyphs on a piece of papyrus. This is another example of hieroglyphs to introduce to the students. Also it is a display of the kinds of artwork that would be etched into the temples and chambers within the pyramids. It is important for students to familiarize with many different aspects of ancient civilizations, including their artwork.

**__Greek Artifacts__** __**(Teacher dressed in) Toga **__ __**Baklava **__ __**Clay Pot**__ __**Photo of Pericles**__

__**Homer’s //The Odyssey//**__ **__Roman Artifacts__** __**Dice**__ Roman soldiers used to hand carve dice out of animal bones. Sometimes the dice would even be small enough to be carried in their mouths. After their long day soldiers would gather in taverns or by fires and play games of chance with their dice. This would be something fun to bring in and share with my class because it’s something they are already familiar with. They know what dice are and I could even look up some old games that they could play with them. It gives them something they can relate to. I would probably make some dice out of clay instead of buying the real thing but I would carve it to look like the ones they carved, because there are some subtle differences.
 * __Pictures of the Coliseum__** The Roman Coliseum is one of the most famous buildings in Rome. Since I can’t take my students to see the coliseum in person I would bring in several pictures for them to see. I would get a picture of the outside and then a couple from the inside. We would talk about how it was there meeting place for social events such as plays and reenactments. I would also bring in a picture of one of our amphitheatre today so they could compare and contrast them.
 * __Map of Rome__** Of course while I’m talking about ancient Rome I want them to be able to understand where Rome is located. I found a map of ancient Rome that I would bring in and have on display in the classroom. It would probably be near our central meeting place so that when we start a subject we can reference the map. It gives them something to refer to when they need it and they also get to work on their map skills.
 * __Bulla__** Children in ancient Rome used to wear an amulet around there neck called a bulla. The boys would wear them until they became citizens at the age of sixteen. They would wear it until they got married then it would be burned. I would work this into my art activity. I would bring in a sample one but then let them make a simple version for themselves. Of course we would learn the traditions and everything that went with the wearing of this piece of jewelry.
 * __Costume (tunic dress)__** On the first day of this lesson I would wear a tunic style dress. It would be as close as possible. I would also bring in some other samples to show them of how different people dresses. I would have a sample of men, woman and children’s clothes. Then we could compare what they are currently wearing to the sample pieces. I would have actual clothes samples and pictures that show the clothing so they can see multiple examples.