Adventures in Time and Place

Adventures in Time and Place
Grade 6: World
Infographic #6: Life in the Caliphate
Page 276

1. Find clues to the breadth of the caliphate in the variety of materials and techniques used to make these objects. Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art to view highlights from their extensive collection of Islamic Art.
http://www.metmuseum.org/collections/view1.asp?dep=14&full=0&item=91%2E1%2E540

Examine the example of Islamic art. Scroll down and read the description.
Click Enlarge for a closer look. You can click multiple times to zoom in on parts of the photo. Then click Back to Object Page.
Click Next and explore another piece of art.
Continue in this way until you have finished reading about the Jali screen.

Online Activity: From Tourist to Tour Guide
A docent guides museum tours, comments on, and answers questions about the exhibits. An Islamic art docent at the Metropolitan Museum needs to know how the artifacts on display were used. Help the docent. Match each object from the Islamic collection with its use and the material it's made of.
Click two cards. Wait to see them turn over. Try again until you find all of the matches!

2. Weavers from the caliphate were famous for the beauty and quality of their rugs. Find out more about this art form at Oriental Rugs.
http://www.islamicart.com/main/rugs/intro.html

Read the Introduction. Click highlighted words for pictures and explanations.
Click Classifications in the menu bar near the top the page.
Under "Caucasian" click Overview and then each of the regions to learn about rugs from these areas.
Click a rug's picture for a closer view. After looking, be sure to close the window.
Explore the rugs under "Turkish" and "Persian" in the same way.

Offline Activity: Rug Merchant
Each of the rugs on the Web site is special in its own way. Select one of the rugs and write an advertisement for it. Describe the rug in colorful detail so your words tell potential customers about the rug’s classification, quality, beauty, design, and craftsmanship. Illustrate your ad with a drawing of the rug. Your customers need to know exactly what they are buying and why it's so special.