Unit Study: Folk Art from Around the World
by Karine Bauch
BACKGROUND
Folk art is defined as "Art originating among the common people of a nation or region and usually reflecting their traditional culture, especially everyday or festive items produced or decorated by unschooled artists." 1
Every culture has its folk arts - music, visual arts, stories, and dances. These are the expressions of the common uneducated man. Understanding the folk arts of a people group is essential if you are seeking to understand the heart of the people. Elements of their religious and moral beliefs are often expressed through these creative means.
Today, with the increase in technology and globalization, very little folk art is produced and practiced in highly developed countries, while more traditional cultures still honor and practice these arts. We have to look back several decades to see the heart and spirit that made many of these countries strong.
Music:
Many kinds of folk songs are sung by every culture, but the most common kinds are
includes many types of decorated objects created by unschooled people, including
Heroes of each culture are captured in their folklore and legends. Various types include
The traditional dances of a culture that are performed in public and passed on to each generation reflect the energy and vivacity of the people. These dances are performed by the common people and are learned informally by watching and participating. Some familiar traditional dances include:
Download the document below to read the entire article including links for studying the folk art of the USA, Jamaica, Japan, and Scotland.
Folk art is defined as "Art originating among the common people of a nation or region and usually reflecting their traditional culture, especially everyday or festive items produced or decorated by unschooled artists." 1
Every culture has its folk arts - music, visual arts, stories, and dances. These are the expressions of the common uneducated man. Understanding the folk arts of a people group is essential if you are seeking to understand the heart of the people. Elements of their religious and moral beliefs are often expressed through these creative means.
Today, with the increase in technology and globalization, very little folk art is produced and practiced in highly developed countries, while more traditional cultures still honor and practice these arts. We have to look back several decades to see the heart and spirit that made many of these countries strong.
Music:
Many kinds of folk songs are sung by every culture, but the most common kinds are
- love songs
- ballads
- sea shanties
- gospel or religious songs
- songs of war
- songs of sadness
- children's songs
includes many types of decorated objects created by unschooled people, including
- pottery
- painting
- glassmaking
- jewelry
- decorative arts
- rugs and housewares
- textile designs
Heroes of each culture are captured in their folklore and legends. Various types include
- Fables
- Epic poems
- Holiday tales
- Tall tales
- Tales of origins (how something got its start)
- Cautionary tales
- Fairy tales
- Nursery rhymes
The traditional dances of a culture that are performed in public and passed on to each generation reflect the energy and vivacity of the people. These dances are performed by the common people and are learned informally by watching and participating. Some familiar traditional dances include:
- Irish jigs
- Italian tarantellas
- Square dances
- Sword dances
- Ceremonial dances
Download the document below to read the entire article including links for studying the folk art of the USA, Jamaica, Japan, and Scotland.
| folk_art_unit_study.doc |