The students minds were illuminated by the history of Illuminated Manuscripts. Mr. Mayhew had the students write a poem / paragraph about their families and after a brief introduction to illuminated manuscripts, the kids chose initial caps and a line or two of their work to illustrate in the style.
The next stop was a quick jaunt to ancient Scandanavia and the study of Runestones.
Scandinavian Runestones [paraphrased from “Runes Through Time” by Nicole Sanderson, NOVA]
The Vikings are often portrayed as illiterate, uncultured barbarians, more ‘plunderers’ than poets. In fact, the Vikings left behind a great number of documents in stone, wood and metal, all written in the enigmatic symbols known as runes. They relied on these symbols not only for writing but also to tell fortunes, cast spells, and provide protection.
Early Germanic tribes of northern Europe were first to develop runes, but the Scandinavians soon adopted the symbols for their own use — prior to adopting the Latin alphabet. When the seafaring Vikings traveled to faraway lands, they brought their system of writing with them, leaving runic inscriptions in places as distant as Greenland. Wherever they went, Vikings turned to runes to honor the deceased, relay historical events, and tell of everyday experiences.
Runestones are large, freestanding rocks or boulders inscribed with runic characters. Examples from the 3rd and 4th centuries have been found, but the majority of runestones throughout Scandinavia are from the Viking age, between the 8th to 11th centuries.
Using a tool from NOVA's website, students translated their names into ancient Rune. The students then created their own "stones" by carving their rune into a slab of clay which was then fired, glazed and fired again to create a ceramic "stone".
A huge debt of gratitude must be given to Art Parent Kelly Costa for the time, energy, research, forethought and preparation that she gave to leading the visual arts lessons in Mr. Mayhew's class this year. You have taken these fortunate kids on an incredible journey, one that will stay with them throughout their lives. We are so thankful for your dedication!!
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