Exploring the Nazca Lines through Art
Intention
‘I bow to the great mysteries of the earth
through exploring the world’s great wonders,
I expand my perspective.’
Description
In this activity, children will be invited to discover the Peruvian Nazca Lines and channel their own spiritually-inspired creativity through making their own art replicas
Gather
Cardstock paper
Sand
Liquid glue
Thick paintbrush
Thin paintbrush (you will be using the end side and not the brush side) or instrument with similar rounded end
Red and brown paint (optional)
Resources for Learning about the Nazca Lines
https://www.livescience.com/50698-nazca-lines-images.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fzatdt4e-5c
Process
Explore the above resources on the Nazca Lines
Discuss how the geoglyphs depicted images that were spiritually symbolic to the Nazca people
For example, the condor was considered sacred as it was believed to fly between the realms of gods and men
Make your own “Nazca” illustration
Mix 2 parts glue to 1 part paint
Add sand to the mixture (about half as much sand as paint-glue mixture)
Spread mixture all over the cardstock using the thick paintbrush to represent the desert
Now take the end of a small paint brush and etch a design into your desert
Prompt your child to think of an element of nature that has significance for them to create as their Nazca drawing
Holistic Engagement
Explore other resources on the Nazca Lines: https://kids.kiddle.co/Nazca_Lines
Explore Peru’s most famous ancient site Machu Pichu https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cVSWA37xiI
Discuss the symbols that are significant in your culture/faith
Questions to Ask
Why to you think the Nazca lines were created? How? No one knows exactly why or how. Explore your thinking and come up with your own theory.
What symbol did you chose to create and why? If someone flew over your drawing a thousand years from now what would they learn about you/your culture?
Mindfulness Prompts
Close your eye before your start etching your drawing. What symbols hold meaning for you?
Imagine if you saw your life from the point of view of an eagle flying above. What perspective would you have?
