Y4: Canopic Creations!

What a fantastic few afternoons of art we have had in Year 4! As part of our current art unit, the children travelled back in time to explore the fascinating world of Egyptian pottery. Our challenge was to create our own canopic jars from clay while considering our enquiry question: What can pottery tell us about the past?

Before getting our hands messy, we examined examples of real canopic jars and discovered how they were used during the mummification process. Their carefully designed lids represented the four Sons of Horus, each of whom protected a different organ. These objects showed us just how important religion, the afterlife and preserving the body were to the Ancient Egyptians.

The children then threw themselves into shaping their own jars. They moulded the clay carefully, joined the pieces securely and added intricate details to create their chosen lid. Working with clay certainly required patience and perseverance, especially when a head, ear or beak did not quite behave as planned!

It was wonderful to see everyone completely absorbed in the process. The children showed creativity, concentration and some excellent problem-solving skills as their designs gradually came to life.

By studying and recreating these objects, Year 4 discovered that pottery can reveal an enormous amount about the people who made it. It can offer clues about their beliefs, traditions, skills and everyday lives, even thousands of years later.

A brilliant afternoon of historical discovery and artistic creativity.

Well done, Year 4. I cannot wait to see the finished and painted jars!