Compare and Connect: How do adornments make people appear or feel powerful? (Ready to Go Resource)

Ready-to-go resources are short, flexible learning activities that center art as texts. In “Compare and Connect” students use a guiding question to compare works of art within the context of a shared theme and produce brief writing examples. The activities are presented in google slide decks with teaching notes to make classroom implementation easy.

Guiding Question: How do adornments make people appear or feel powerful?

Featuring Egúngún Masquerade Ensemble by Unknown Yorùbá Artist and the Studio of Hyacinthe Rigaud’s Louis XV (1710-1774).

Make your own copy! Check the slide notes for the teacher’s guide.

Total Activity Pacing: 30 minutes across 2 days 

Grade(s): 9-12

Activity Overview:

• In this Compare and Connect activity, students will compare 2 artworks that feature ceremonial clothing and consider how adornments convey power.
• In Day One: Discuss, students will discuss two artworks that feature ceremonial clothing from two different cultures. Students will compare and contrast the two and consider how adornments are used to convey power. 
• In Day Two: Write, students will explain what adornments evoke power in modern society and discuss what clothing or adornments give them a sense of power.