Native American ArtNative American Art

The Winter CountThe Winter Count

By Randy FarleyBy Randy Farley

Carnegie Winter CountCarnegie Winter Count

What was the winter count?What was the winter count?

A series of pictures drawn on an animal hide.A series of pictures drawn on an animal hide. Each picture or symbol recorded an event or a Each picture or symbol recorded an event or a

happening in the life of the Native American happening in the life of the Native American tribes.tribes.

What is a Symbol?What is a Symbol?

A picture that represents an event, place, A picture that represents an event, place, action, person, or even a thing that you cannot action, person, or even a thing that you cannot physically see. physically see.

Day 1: The SymbolsDay 1: The Symbols

In your sketch book, use the Native American In your sketch book, use the Native American symbols to create a story. symbols to create a story.

Draw those symbols in the correct order of Draw those symbols in the correct order of your story. Remember we will be writing your your story. Remember we will be writing your story on a sheet of paper.story on a sheet of paper.

You must have at least 6 symbols in your You must have at least 6 symbols in your story.story.

Day 2: Making an Animal SkinDay 2: Making an Animal Skin

First, finish drawing the symbols for your First, finish drawing the symbols for your story.story.

Next, draw the shape shown on the board on Next, draw the shape shown on the board on the inside of your brown paper. Make sure the inside of your brown paper. Make sure you include a head, 4 legs and a tail.you include a head, 4 legs and a tail.

Ball up the paper (you must do at least 5 Ball up the paper (you must do at least 5 times).times).

Tear the paper along the black line.Tear the paper along the black line. Put your name and class code on it.Put your name and class code on it.

Day 3: Adding Symbols to Your Day 3: Adding Symbols to Your Animal SkinAnimal Skin

Decide whether you want a circular design or a Decide whether you want a circular design or a linear design.linear design.

Draw your symbols with a pencil in either a Draw your symbols with a pencil in either a circle or a linear design.circle or a linear design.

Create a border on your animal skin.Create a border on your animal skin. Use big shapesUse big shapes Connect the four paws of your animal.Connect the four paws of your animal.

Day 4: PaintingDay 4: Painting

Use the black paint to outline your symbols.Use the black paint to outline your symbols. Next, use the colors to paint in your border and Next, use the colors to paint in your border and

open space in your symbols.open space in your symbols.