Understanding Arts and Arts Education (Theory) Block : Art Education

1.4.3 Teaching Students about Folk Objects and Traditional
Arts
India is richly endowed with traditions of art and craft where the techniques of
craftsmanship have been handed down generation after another. Amazing
handicrafts from every corner of India reflect the expertise of the local craftsmen.
It also reflects the folk groups’ customs, attitudes, aesthetics, and taboos.
Activity-
Tell students to bring several folk objects from home that are traditional
art objects such as a kangri a mother got from Kashmir, a fan/ quilt/ sari that a
grandmother embroidered, or foods like dhokla, halwa, or rasgolla that are made
on special occasions in your family. Create a story around it and bring in topics
of culture and society.
NOTE :
Discourage students from bringing items that are perishable, expensive, or very
valuable to avoid loss of irreplaceable items.You may also invite parents,
grandparents, or known traditional artists in your community to visit your
classroom.

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Understanding Arts and Arts Education (Theory)
Block 1 : Art Education
Notes
Explain and discuss:
•
Folk objects are tangible handmade items that people create and share within
their folk groups.
•
Although folk objects are often made by one person they reflect the style
and attitude of the group.
•
The creation of a folk object involves skills, ideas, beauty, color, and texture
appreciation.
•
Many folk objects are used in special or even sacred ceremonies.
This will introduce multiculturalism and appreciate traditional art in a positive
way. By studying the creation of handmade objects we get an insight to the capacity
and understanding of a community. For example looking at a Madhubani Paintings
you will also have an opportunity to discuss principles of design, symmetry,
texture, shading, use of space, etc.
This photo shows the Madhubani art and also a vessel in which sugar cane is
kept . This is the way people of Bihar worship during the harvest