Activity
Then and Now Collage Inspired by Jayashree Chakravarty's Personal Space
Create your own layered collage to preserve your memories of a special place in your life.
In the spring of 2020, a herd of wild Asian elephants started migrating north from Southwest China. As of June 2021, the elephants have traveled 500 kilometers, navigating through rural areas and cityscapes toward an unknown destination. Scientists believe this unusual migration was spurred by deforestation, urbanization, and habitat loss.
For all grade levels
For grades 6 and up
Questions to Think About
Elephants are seen as auspicious (bringing good luck) in Chinese culture. Indeed, the Asian Art Museum collection includes an auspicious elephant hanging that contains the hidden meaning, “May there be peace, and may your noble house be blessed with wealth and honor!” The elephant is a symbol of peace, and carrying a vase is a pun for peace and safety (ping an) in Chinese visual culture. The flowers in the vase are also significant: the Chinese word for “magnolia” is a pun for “noble house,” while the peony is a sign of wealth and honor.
Click through the gallery to view examples of an auspicious elephant hanging.
Paper
Black pen
Color pens
Pencils
Download the teacher packet from sidebar above for complete instructions.