In the purely geometrical sense, the term pyramid can be applied to the constructions of the Egyptians whose bases are polygonal and whose faces are defined by triangular planes meeting at the summit (Stielin, 1963: 97).
The Meso-Americans designed their pyramids with rectangular or square bases and gave them different functions as well as a different design. Some pyramids are sacred. The priests ascend them to meet the gods; nobles go to pyramids to commune with their ancestors. The Mayas crowned their pyramids with lofty temples (Stierlin, 1963: 98) Although most have only one staircase, some temples with pyramidal bases sometimes have staircases on all four sides. In the Mayan “Castillo” of Chichen Itza this is the case. ( All pyramids mentioned and described below are to be found illustrated on reference page 5.)
The Castillo at Chichen Itza is a construction which dates from 10th or 11th century A.D. It is a great step pyramid flanked by four staircases bordered by ramps and surmounted by a well preserved upper temple.
The Temple of Inscriptions at Palenque is a pyramid with nine distinct levels, which certainly might have been an imitation of the nine layers of the underworld (Miller, 1986: 129). It is flanked by a staircase on one side and set into a hill which offers a dramatic backdrop for it.
The Pyramid of the Sun at Teotihuacan is one of the largest structures of pre-Columbian Mesoamerica. During excavations in 1971, a cave was found under the pyramid where several chambers are connected in a clover design (Miller, 1986: 68-69). The broad staircase is the focus of the building. On one face of the pyramid the broad flight of steps divides into two parts and then further up comes together. These steps functioned as backdrops for public events and rituals and created a great spectacle for those watching below.
The Pyramid of Huitzilopochtli and Tlocloc at the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan is a twin pyramid to honor the two deities. Both pyramids were framed in the distance to the east by two volcanic mountains. In the rainy season to acknowledge Tlaloc, the god of corn, the sun rose behind that temple. But in the drier months, the sun came up behind the temple of Huitzilopochtli, the god associated with hunting and fire.
UNIT II Strategies
The illustrations depicted on reference page 5(figure available in print form) will be an aid to the class when they are building the pyramids out of oak tag. Later when they cover the oak tag with layers of paper mache they can further embellish the pyramids with even more details, including decorative sculptures. The final part of the unit is the painting of the pyramids. Guilds of sculptors and pottery craftsman can be called on for these details.
Unit II Lesson I—Building Pyramids
Objective—To build our own pyramids like those in Mesoamerica
To explore
1. Why they existed?
2. How they were constructed
3. The various kinds of pyramids—3 sided Egyptian
Materials:
Oak tag paper 12” x 9”
scissors
masking tape
pencils
rulers
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4 illustrations on reference page—Tenochtitlan, Chichen, Itza, Teotihuacan, Palenque (Aztec and Mayan Pyramids)
Motivation: Demonstrate making a constructed pyramid.
Procedure:
Ask class to trace the pattern of the pyramid when it is open. When they cut it out they can fold the comers and tape the finished pyramid. Why do we use symmetry to describe the pyramid.
Unfolded paper pyramid to use as a pattern
(figure available in print form)
Unit II—Lesson III—Making Additions to our Constructions
Objectives Building tombs inside the pyramids
Decorating the outside with temples and sculptures
To make use of learning from the film about ChichenItza.
Building tombs and staircases on all 4 sides
Adding a temple on top
Materials: Oak tag paper (8” x 11”)
Masking tape
rulers, pencils
scissors
Procedure: How to fold accordion stair cases.
How to make decorative sculpture.
How to build temples.
Lesson IV—To learn to do paper mache
Objective:
1. To make a paper mache mummy
3. To aim towards good craftsmanship in handling the technique
Materials: wallpaper paste
water
6” plastic containers and 2” cups
newspaper strips 2” x 6”tl” x 4”
scissors
paper towels
sponges
plastic spoons
masking tape
Motivation: Do a demonstration of paper mache for the class. Choose one of the better constructed pyramids done in an earlier class. Have a student work on that while I make a mummy and cover it with paper mache.
Procedure:
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1. Cut up strips of newspaper 2” x 4”
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2. Mix wallpaper paste and water in larger container. Use 10 teaspoons paste to 2 cups of water—enough for 8 students. Pour into smaller cups.
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3. Give out cups and strips of newspaper to all students.
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4. Give out larger 4”x4” newspaper to roll into the shape of a mummy.
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5. Tie the mummy roll with masking tape into a cylinder shape
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6. Wrap the very wet newspaper strips around the cylinder
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7. Put some strips of newspaper into the smooth paper mache mixture. Remove excess mixture from paper strips before wrapping around cylinder.
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8. Aim towards careful handling of materials.
(figure available in print form)
Reference page 1
(figure available in print form)
Reference page 2
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Reference page 3
(figure available in print form)
Reference page 4
(figure available in print form)
Reference page 5
(figure available in print form)