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Samoan Siapo Bark Cloth

Samoan Siapo Bark Cloth

Students will learn about the Samoan art form known as Siapo, then create a replica piece of art.

Lesson Plan

Supplies Needed

Gather all the supplies needed to bring your craft ideas to life! From paints and markers to glue and scissors, our crafts section has everything to spark creativity and make every project truly special.

  • Recycled Paper Grocery Bags
  • Spray Bottle

Steps

  • Step 1

    Siapo, also known as tapa, is one of the oldest Samoan art forms. It is a symbol of Samoan culture and has been passed down through the generations. Have students learn about the country and the art form. Where is Samoa located? What other countries are in Oceania? How is the bark of the paper mulberry tree prepared when making the Siapo canvas? What is traditionally used to make the dye? What do some of the symbols in the design represent? What are some of the uses of this cloth?

  • Step 2

    Have students look at images of Siapo and then use that as inspiration as they create a replica of this beautiful fabric. They can begin by crumpling a section of a brown paper bag, lightly spritzing it with water, and then smoothing it out. When it's dry they can illustrate it using paint or boldly colored drawing chalk. Encourage them to use traditional shapes and symbols in the designs.

  • Step 3

    Have students present their art and discuss the meaning of the symbols as well as some facts they learned about Samoa and its culture.

Standards

LA: Read and comprehend informational texts, including history/social studies, science, and technical texts, at the high end of the grade level text complexity band independently and proficiently.

LA: Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners about grade level topics and texts with peers and adults in small and larger groups.

MATH: Understand that attributes belonging to a category of two-dimensional figures also belong to all subcategories of that category.

MATH: Compare two fractions with different numerators and different denominators, e.g., by creating common denominators or numerators, or by comparing to a benchmark fraction such as 1/2.

SS: Describe ways in which language, stories, folktales, music, and artistic creations serve as expressions of culture and influence behavior of people living in a particular culture.

SS: Use appropriate resources, data sources, and geographic tools to generate, manipulate, and interpret information.

VA: Select media, techniques, an processes; analyze what makes them effective or not effective in communicating ideas; and reflect upon the effectiveness of choices.

VA: Intentionally take advantage of the qualities and characteristics of art media, techniques, and processes to enhance communication of experiences and ideas.

VA: Use subjects, themes, and symbols that demonstrate knowledge of contexts, values, and aesthetics that communicate intended meaning in artworks.

Adaptations

Have students learn about the Teuila Festival, which celebrates Samoan and Polynesian culture. What are some of the featured dances? What are some typical foods? What are some of the other art forms of Samoa that are displayed at the festival?

Have students explore the diverse cultures and history of Polynesia. How many islands make up the region? What are some of the many languages spoken? For how long have Polynesian navigation techniques been used?