Islamic Art and Geometric Design
ACTIVITIES FOR LEARNING

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Islamic Art and Geometric Design
ACTIVITIES FOR LEARNING

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Contents
Introduction and How to Use These Materials Introduction to Geometric Design in Islamic Art Selected Works of Art in The Metropolitan Museum of Art Pattern-Making Activities Resources and Glossary 8 10 12 19 43

Copyright ©2004 by The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York Published by The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York This resource for educators is made possible by the Mary and James G. Wallach Foundation. Education, The Metropolitan Museum of Art Project Manager: Catherine Fukushima Senior Managing Editor: Merantine Hens Senior …ver más…

Students will also learn the principles of geometric patterns and be able to create their own. We hope that these activities will spark in your students a life-long interest in art and design. We are fortunate indeed that these educational materials are supported by the Mary and James G. Wallach Foundation. Their contribution underscores their high commitment to art, to students, and to teachers. We are deeply grateful for their generosity. Philippe de Montebello Director Kent Lydecker Associate Director for Education

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Introduction
Works of art can be stimulating starting points for interdisciplinary investigations leading students to explorations of history, social studies, geography, and culture. Less commonly, but no less intriguing, art may be a stimulus for exploring concepts in math and geometry. This resource provides the means for teaching about the history and providing an introduction to Islamic art while learning about the variety of geometric patterns employed by artists to embellish a wide range of works of art, including textiles, ceramics, metalwork, architectural elements, and manuscripts. Through the activities, students will learn the design principles and techniques by which the artists created these beautiful and intricate patterns.

A series of activities follow. Working only with a straightedge and a compass, students will discover how to create many of the geometric shapes