Ancient Egyptian Carving

This "hands-on history" project will expose your students to the art of the ancient Egyptians. Household items like pieces of drywall and craft sticks are used in this fun project. Visit this website to see many good examples of ancient Egyptian wall carvings.

Ages 7 and up.

Left: "Egyptian Pharaoh" by David B, age 8

Supplies:

  • Drywall pieces, cut into 6" x 6" squares (or any size desired)
  • Water
  • Pencils
  • Craft Stick
  • Paint (tempera or acrylic)
  • Black markers
  • Ancient Egyptian photo references (Go to Tour Egypt for some good photos of carvings)

Lesson:

The ancient Egyptians recorded their history on the walls of buildings in the form of pictures and picture writing, called hieroglyphs. Often, these images were carved into walls as a permanent record for significant battles, kings, and events.

They had an interesting way of depicting the human body. The face and body were shown in profile position, but the eye, shoulders, and hips were facing the viewer. These portraits were a composite view of the body with both angles represented.

Instructions:

1. Wet one side of the drywall with water and allow the paper to soften. Peel off the paper from one side only. You may have to re-wet it and scrape it off. Allow to dry.

2. Using a pencil, draw an Egyptian design using a photo reference from a book or the Tour Egypt website. You may wish to add a decorative border around the edge.
3. Using a craft stick or carving tool, carve away the outline of the design. Do not bother to carve small, intricate lines.

4. Paint in the design using tempera or acrylic paints. Allow to dry.

Unfinished carving by Johannah B, age 13

5. Outline the design using a black marker (like a Sharpie). Draw right in the groove that you carved. Add any intricate details with the marker.

"Egyptian Pharaoh" by David B, age 8

 

 

© Karine Bauch 2009. All rights reserved.

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