Anthropology museum to offer after-school programs in West Mexican culture

Wake Forest University’s Museum of Anthropology will offer “Exploring World Cultures,” a four-part series of after-school programs for children in grades 1-5 that will highlight some of the cultural activities of four lesser known West Mexican cultures.

Programs are scheduled for Feb. 23, March 8 and 22 and April 5. Each session runs from 4:15 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

The series will begin Feb. 23 with “Paper Spirits,” a discovery of the Nahua people and their paper figures. Children will have the opportunity to create one of their paper figures.

On March 8, the museum will offer “Oaxacan Animals,” a program about blue cats and rainbow-colored chickens. Students will learn about the people of Oaxaca and their colorful wooden animal creations.

“The Huichol” will be offered on March 22. During this program, children will learn about the Huichol and how they take care of the world. They will also make their own versions of a shaman’s ceremonial hat.

The spring series will conclude with “West Mexican Tomb Figures” April 5. Students will see what archeologists have uncovered in ancient tombs and how these scientists learn about ancient life through such objects.

Students can sign up for the whole series or individual sessions. Sessions will be presented in English, with Spanish translation available. Space is limited to 10 students per session. Cost for the whole series is $35 ($32, museum members). Individual sessions are $15 per session ($12, museum members). To register, call the museum at 336-758-5282 or send an email to moa@wfu.edu. Additional information is available on the museum’s Web site, www.wfu.edu/moa.

Categories: Arts & Culture, Community, Events