Hands on Latin America

-- Contains complete instructions for 24 craft projects inspired by the art of the Maya, Aztec, and Inca cultures This lively book is bound to excite teachers, parents, and librarians as well as children. An artful variety of projects shows how to make two dozen different crafts, all based on authentic Latin artworks and artifacts. Simple instructions and easy-to-follow diagrams will provide hours of fun with activities as accessible as paper and glue. The first section of this engaging guide Is dedicated to the history anti contributions of pre-Columbian peoples and examines the staples of their diet (peanuts and cocoa), their extraordinary medical knowledge, and even their riches of silver and gold.This fascinating history section also includes a cultural timeline of Latin peoples, from the development of the Aztec calendar to the ornate architecture of the Mayans. Rich, full-page photographs highlight the Mayan, Incan, and Aztec cultures, with a section dedicated to the arts and crafts of today's Central American and Mexican artisans. Intertwined throughout are creative activities to make a variety of crafts, including an Aztec rattle, a jaguar mask, and luminarias to hold candles as holiday decorations. The combination of crafts projects and focused lessons on Latin history make for an engaging introduction to a rich cultural heritage. Copyright (C) Muze Inc. 2005. For personal use only. All rights reserved.