Introduction:
In Arab cities and towns, crafts people make and sell decorative items made of hammered brass, copper, and bronze at bazaars. Metal work has always been a craft of nomadic people. Metal utensils can easily be carried from place to place. Centuries after abandoning nomadic life, Arabs continue their metal craft. It is the work of patient and skilled artisans.

Filigree refers to laces like decoration using gold or silver wire. It is ideal for arabesque designs. In this lesson, students will make filigree, using ordinary, uninsulated wire to simulate real filigree jewelry. It should be thick enough to hold a bend but not so thick that it is difficult to work with.

Grade Level: 3-12

Connection to National Geography Standards: The geographically informed person knows and understands:

#1 How to use maps and other geographic representations, tools, and technologies to acquire, process, and report information from a spatial perspective

#4 The physical and human characteristics of places

#9 The characteristics, distribution, and migration of human populations on Earth's surface

#16 The changes that occur in the meaning, use, distribution, and importance of resources

Objectives: Students will be able to:

• describe both physical and human characteristics of the North Africa and the Middle East.
• plot on a map areas populated by nomadic people in North Africa and the Middle East.
• illustrate the migratory patterns of nomadic people in North Africa the Middle East.
• explain the importance of filigree jewelry, especially to women, in Arab culture.

Materials:

• Uninsulated wire
• Wire clippers
• Pliers
• Cord

Introducing the Lesson: This lesson is a good project for students after they have studied Islam. Discuss various artwork of the Arab world and how nomadic traditions contributed to Arab history. Share samples of filigree with students. Ask students how the filigree designs demonstrate characteristics of North Africa and the Middle East.

Procedure:

• Before student begin to create their filigree jewelry they should plot areas populated by nomadic people in North Africa and the Middle east on a map. Students should also draw arrows on the map illustrating examples of the migratory patterns of the nomadic people in this region.
• Students should draw a filigree jewelry pendant design on paper before they begin making it. Remind students that they are creating a pendant so be sure to include a small loop at the top of their design. They should create an appealing symmetrical design of curves and loops. Tight twists to hold curves to one another are an important part of the design.
• Using wire clippers cut a length (about 1 yard) of wire for each student. Students should use pliers to make the twists in the wire. Use regular pliers for wide bends and needle-nose pliers for smaller twists.
• Students should join pieces of wire by twisting them together and squeezing with the pliers. The twists are part of the filigree design.
• Cut a length of cord (about 18in. to 24in.) for each student.
• Students place the cord through the loop and tie a knot in the cord. Put the pendant on and enjoy this beautiful work of Arabic art!

Assessment:

• Students' maps should be checked for accuracy of nomadic populations and migratory patterns.
• Filigree jewelry should be representative of Arab culture using Arabic designs.

Extension:

• Have students design their own bazaars. They could include their filigree jewelry among other items "for sale."
• Using a map of North Africa and the Middle East, have students create a caravan trade route with stopping points where they would be able to trade.