Curriculum Materials: Art in America
Think Questions 1. What things of value are made of metal? Why might a tea set made of silver be more valuable than a tea set made of clay? 2. Why do you think silversmiths were among the most respected and well-paid artisans in the American colonies? 3. Why isn't the teapot's handle made of silver? 4. Why do you think the tea caddy has a lock? Why was tea so expensive? Do you recall how the colonists protested England's tax on tea? 5. Do people still drink tea? How is tea preparation and service different today? What other beverages have become popular today? How are they prepared and served? 6. What special dishes or serving pieces do you have in your home that are reserved for use on special occasions or for special guests? What kinds of occasions does your family celebrate by serving special foods or beverages? 7. Compare the pieces in this tea service to the Seneca Indian feast ladle. What materials were these objects made of? How were they made? Who made them? What is similar about their shape or composition? What is different? What kinds of decoration do you see? How were the decorations applied? What kinds of food were these objects used to serve? Were they made for use by an individual or groups of people? How can you tell? Did the people who made and used these objects mean them to be works of art? What makes you think so?
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