Moccasins
Unknown artist from the Crow Tribe
Crow, United States
1900
skin, porcupine quill, beadwork
Melanie Yazzie
A pair of moccasins sparked a connection for Artist Melanie Yazzie to consider the role and importance of having empathy for others, or “walking a mile in someone’s moccasins.”
Does this object spark a lesson idea for your classroom?
- How could students share memories related to their words?
- What does it mean to walk in other people’s shoes, and when did you feel like you did that with a friend or family member?
TIP: Have students trace their feet and write words of personal empowerment within the outline to display throughout the classroom.
Related Creative Activities
Communication Through Clothing
In this lesson, students will explore the symbols, patterns, and colors that are important to the Osage people. Students will create a t-shirt design that expresses information about their own culture and personality, and reflect upon messages communicated by their clothing design.
Clothing Conversations
In this lesson, students will explore the symbols, patterns, and colors that are important to the Osage people. Students will compose a written reflection on the messages that their clothing communicates about them, just as the Ribbon Appliqué Wearing Blanket communicated messages about the person who wore it.
How Coyote Came to Shuffle Off to Buffalo
Students will use Harry Fonseca’s painting Shuffle Off to Buffalo #V to spur their imaginations. They will write their own stories about how Coyote came to dance on stage dressed up as Uncle Sam.
Weaver Inspired Activity
Moccasin Design Inspired Activity
