Pastel Parfleche Pouch

Pastel Parfleche Pouch lesson plan

Use recycled paper bags to simulate leather or bark to create a Native American parfleche for use as an art portfolio.

  • 1.

    Find out how Native Americans used natural resources to create items for their everyday use, such as cooking utensils, clothing, and storage containers. To make a portfolio for your art or writings, design a parfleche that looks similar to the bark or leather used by Native Americans.

  • 2.

    Cover your work area with newspaper. Carefully separate four large brown paper grocery bags where they are glued together. Measure and cut out four rectangles approximately 27 by 18 inches (69 by 46 cm) with Crayola® Scissors. Round the rectangle corners.

  • 3.

    Soak or spray the four sheets of paper with water. Gently crumple to squeeze out excess water. Use a Crayola Paint Brush or sponge to spread Crayola School Glue on each damp sheet. Layer one on top of the other, with print facing inward. Place heavy objects on top to flatten the bags. Dry.

  • 4.

    Fold the top of the layered bags down about 5 1/2 inches (14 cm). Fold the bottom up until it almost touches the top flap. Fold each side into the center to form two flaps. Place heavy objects on the parfleche to hold its shape.

  • 5.

    Decorate the outside of the parfleche with Crayola Crayons, using a colorful, authentic Native American design.

  • 6.

    Punch holes on the top and bottom of each flap. Thread strings or ribbons through the holes to close the parfleche.

Benefits

  • Students research everyday items historically used by Native Americans and identify the materials that were common in their construction.
  • Students process recycled brown paper bags to simulate leather or bark.
  • Students create a Native American parfleche decorated with authentic designs.

Adaptations

  • Research symbols used by different tribes, or a specific nation, of Native Americans. Draw the symbols and describe their meaning.
  • Research and create another form of traditional or contemporary Native American artistic work such as pottery or weaving.
  • Compare and contrast this type of carrying pouch with those developed in other cultures, past and present. How are the cases similar? Different?