Legend: "La Dama de Elche"
The legend of the Lady of Elche tells of a mysterious Iberian sculpture of a richly dressed woman. Its discovery reveals Spain’s past, helping us understand Iberian culture, art, beliefs, and the important role of women in that society. It offers insight into Spain’s cultural heritage.
Pre-legend Activities
Starting Point: Ask students questions.
- What would you do if you discovered a buried sculpture in your garden?
- Do you think there are buried treasures we do not know exist?
- What would you like to find?
Cultural Eye
The image of the “Dama de Elche” will be projected on the digital board, and based on it, a guided activity will begin following the three phases of Prown's object analysis method: description, deduction, and speculation. This activity will be carried out in small groups, who will have to agree on their answers and reflections. Afterward, each group will present their conclusions to the rest of the class to encourage discussion and shared learning.
Next, a visual and conceptual comparison will be made with other representative figures of Iberian sculpture, such as the Lady of Baza, the Great Offering Lady, and the Seated Iberian Lady. Students will analyze:
- The similarities and differences between the different sculptures.
- The geographical and cultural relationship between the locations where they were found.
- The message or symbolism these figures convey within the context of Iberian culture.
"Journey through Magic Words"
We will analyze vocabulary related to the legend of "La dama de Elche":
Iberians, sculpture, archaeology, archaeological site, funerary piece, headdress, ornament. Mystery, discovery, identity, symbolism, belief, ritual, priestess, Elche (Alicante), Altamira, Baza, Porcuna, Mediterranean, Iberian Peninsula.
Legend Activities
"Explorers of Legends: Reading to Discover"
A copy of the legend "The Lady of Elche" will be given to each student in the form of a story adapted to their needs. They will conduct an individual silent reading, followed by a group reading, highlighting details that will help us identify the main ideas.
Some of the most notable details we will highlight are:
- 1897 - The year the Lady of Elche was found
- "La Alcudia" Estate - Geographical location where the discovery took place and where the city of Elche is currently located
- Manuel - The protagonist of the story
- Discovery of the sculpture of the Lady of Elche, which represents Iberian culture
"Objects that Speak: Keys to Understanding a Culture" (Prown Method)
To learn about Iberian culture, we will focus on geographic location, map analysis, and place of origin in Europe.
Location in the Iberian Peninsula: we will pose questions and research to find answers.
- What geographical characteristics did the east and southeast of the Iberian Peninsula have that favored human settlement?
- What type of climate does the east and southeast of the Iberian Peninsula have? How might this climate favor the life and development of the Iberians?
- What advantages did the proximity to the Mediterranean Sea offer?
- Were there important rivers in this area? What role might they have played in the water supply or agriculture?
- What type of topography predominates in the eastern and southeastern Iberian Peninsula (mountains, plains, hills)? How could it influence the defense and location of settlements?
- What was the soil like in this area? Was it fertile for agriculture?
- What natural resources could the Iberians exploit in this territory?
- What opportunities did the landscape offer for livestock farming or hunting?
Social Organization
The Iberians had a hierarchical structure with nobles, warrior chiefs, artisans, farmers, and merchants.
- Key objects: weapons (falcatas, spears, shields), helmets, brooches, jewelry (necklaces, rings, diadems), and funerary goods (ceramics, mirrors).
- These indicate social status and roles.
Economy
Based on agriculture (grains, olive trees, vineyards), livestock, fishing, and trade with Phoenicians, Greeks, and Carthaginians.
- Material evidence: agricultural tools, storage pottery, organic remains (seeds, bones), coins, imported objects, and artisanal workshops.
- Land and sea trade routes connected the Iberians with other peoples.
Art and Sculpture
Closely linked to religion and funerary practices, with strong Mediterranean influences.
Religion
Polytheistic, worshipping gods of nature and war, with complex funerary rituals involving offerings.
- Objects: reliefs and stelae with mythological scenes, decorated ceramics, and sculptures like the Lady of Elche.
Writing
An Iberian script still not fully deciphered.
- Objects: lead sheets with inscriptions, coins with names and symbols, used in commercial and official contexts.
Architecture
Fortified settlements called oppida, with defensive walls, dwellings, and areas for production and trade.
- Archaeological remains: houses differentiated by size and materials, walls, and noble areas.
Post-Legend Activities
"Between legends and traditions: guaranteed fun!"
- Compare daily life in Iberian times and today: food, clothes, family, burials, homes, religion, government, education, economy, technology, writing, art, and trade.
- Work in small groups to solve challenges by thinking about what people did then and what we do now. (Example: A child is sick. What would an Iberian do? What do we do today? Discuss the differences.)
- Act out the legend in a play.
- Make a Kahoot quiz.
- Give a gold medal for the best understanding of Iberian culture.
- Write a poem.
- Draw a picture about the legend of "The Lady of Elche."
