START WITH ART: Plaque with Crocodile Deity

We START WITH ART each morning with our kids (Jenna's kids are 7 and 10, Janet's is also 10). This takes us less than five minutes each morning and tends to be re-visited later in the day at the dinner table or during our evening reading sessions. We find this little exercise each morning ignites creativity and sparks critical thinking. 

Here's how to #STARTWITHART:

Step one: Take a look at the artwork below

Step two: Read the questions below the picture of the art to the students/children in your life

Step three: See how starting your day with art can ignite creativity and critical thinking! 

It's that easy! Let's START WITH ART!

Title: Plaque with Crocodile Deity

Artist: Unknown artist from the Coclé culture

Date: ca. 700–900

Medium: Gold (tumbaga)

Dimensions: 21.6 x 22.9 cm

Start with Art Questions:

• Look at the details of the crocodile on the plaque. How do you think the artist used shapes and patterns to make the crocodile look powerful and fierce?

• The crocodile is a symbol of strength and water. Why do you think the ruling elite might have wanted to wear something like this to show their connection to the crocodile god?

• Imagine you’re designing your own plaque with an animal symbol. What animal would you choose, and how would you show its power through your design?

Add our START WITH ART calendar to yours by clicking here then click "add." Share how you're folding this into your daily routine by tagging us on Instagram @pageofarthistory and/or the tag #startwithart 🖼️