- Type: Hands-on Activity
- Collection: South Asian Art
- Culture/Region: India, South Asia
- Subject Area: Visual Arts
- Grade Level: K-6
India is located on the continent of Asia and has a very large and diverse population. Sixteen major languages are spoken throughout the country, and many religions are practiced—including Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Sikhism, and Hinduism. Elephants are associated in India with clouds and life-giving rain. Elephants not only symbolize nourishment provided by water, but they are also associated with order and protection. One popular Hindu god named Ganesha is kind and intelligent and is often shown with a chubby childlike body and the head of an elephant! Ganesha is particularly popular for his ability to remove obstacles and ensure success in human activities. Create and decorate your own elephant.
Instructions
- Cut out the four shapes to make up the elephant body.
- Cut along the dotted lines shown on the shapes (6 cuts total).
- Slide your elephant legs into the cuts on your elephant’s body.
- Slide ear shape into the cut behind the elephant’s eye.
- Decorate your elephant by drawing a saddle and jewelry to suit a maharaja, an Indian king!