Islamic Tile Design

A WeQuest for 8th Grade Social Studies Designed by Mrs. Egnatz, Library Media Specialist R.J. Grey Junior High

http://www.longsstrangetrip.com/beautiful_tilework.JPG

Introduction
You are a famous artist. You have been contacted by the local imam to design tiles to cover the archways and pillars of a newly constructed mosque. You will submit your design to the Imam and his committee for their approval. This is a great professional opportunity, and the acceptance of your design will bring honor and prestige to you and your family.

The Task
You must research acceptable design motifs and use your creativity to win this commission. You need to familiarize yourself with the distinctive style, colors and intricate patterns that make Islamic tiles recognized and appreciated throughout the world. You already know that Islamic design is considered by Muslims to be a way of reflecting upon the glory and creations of their God, Allah. Allah is believed to have spoken through Muhammad, the founder of the Islamic faith. Muhammad preached against the worship of idols both human and animal. He encouraged artists whose work was destined for religious settings to develop motifs based on geometric shapes (a fundamental to ancient Middle East sciences), calligraphy (beautiful writing) and arabesque (swirling vines, leaves and flowers). These are indeed the intricate, inspired patterns found on tiles, prayer rugs, fabrics and the walls of mosques and public buildings throughout the Islamic world.

The Process
To accomplish this webquest task: 1. Read about Islamic patterns and geometry http://www.salaam.co.uk/themeofthemonth/march02_index.php?l=3 2. Look at examples of the star motif, tessellations and arabesque http://www.sfusd.k12.ca.us/schwww/sch618/Art/Art2.html 3. Study these examples of Arabic Calligraphy http://www.sfusd.k12.ca.us/schwww/sch618/Art/Art1.html http://www.salaam.co.uk/themeofthemonth/march02_index.php?l=4 4. Consider the philosophy and beliefs that inspire the art http://www.askasia.org/teachers/essays/essay.php? no=96&PHPSESSID=a2857124edec641f3e4d20f85efe1789 5. Visit the New York Public Library Digital Gallery. Double click the images to view enlarged Islamic designs. http://digitalgallery.nypl.org/nypldigital/dgkeysearchresult.cfm? num=0&parent_id=710836&word=&snum=&s=&notword=&d=&c=&f=&s Scope=&sLevel=&sLabel=&imgs=12&pNum=

To produce your art tile and written submission to the committee: 1. You will need graph paper, a ruler, a compass and colored pencils 2. Cut two pieces of inch graph paper into 9 inch squares. 3. If you anticipate designing your tile from the mid-point, fold the paper in half length wise and width-wise and make a gentle crease to find the center. You can create a laterally symmetrical design which would be repeated to create a border or a radially symmetrical design which could be repeated to create an entire floor. 4. Use the first piece of paper for practice. 5. Use the second piece of paper to perfect your tile design and to submit as your final copy 6. Use colored pencils to enhance your tile 7. Consider natural shapes and forms, especially plants, in combination with geometric patterns and shapes (6 pointed stars, triangles, squares, hexagons) 8. When you are finished, write a paragraph or two reflecting upon the choices you have made in your tile design. Make sure your paragraphs include an explanation of why your tile is an example of Islamic art (HINT: use the websites above for help). This paragraph, along with the tile, will be submitted to the Imam and his selection committee. You want to impress them with your knowledge and thoughtfulness about the choices you made while creating your tile.

Evaluation
The Tile Design 60 Points
Neatness Use of Motifs Color Choices Symmetry of pattern Use of Web Info

Beginning The art tile could be neater, some of the motifs you chose were not consistent with Islamic design motifs, the color choices do not unify the design, the tile lacks symmetry, the tile design indicates that you should revisit the webquest sites.

Developing The tile is relatively neat, motif is good and it is consistent with Islamic design motifs, color choices enhance the design somewhat, the tile falls short of radial or lateral symmetry, the design reflects a good understanding of the knowledge covered in the webquest. 44 52 points

Accomplished Exceptional neatness, the motif is creative and reflects insight into the use of Islamic design motifs, the color choices unify the design, the tile is radially or laterally symmetrical, the design reflects a synergy of the information covered in this webquest. Sure to be accepted! 53 60 points

36 43 points The written explanation of the artistic choices you made during your design phase
Appropriate topic details Clear Explanation Good paragraph structure, spelling and puncuation

Your paragraphs reflect that you need more knowledge of this topic. Your explanation of your artistic choices was confusing and lacked understanding of the topic. Spelling and punctuation needs improvement. 24 29 points

Your paragraphs reflect good knowledge of the topic. It is understandable with only a few spelling and punctuation errors.

Your paragraphs reflect extensive knowledge of the topic. It is well written in a concise and organized manner with correct spelling and punctuation.

30 35 points 36 40 points

Conclusion
If you enjoyed this webquest and would like to know more about Islamic culture, try these web pages: IslamiCity Website http://www.islamicity.com/ Cornell University Website http://www.library.cornell.edu/colldev/mideast/islam.htm HilalPlaza Commercial Website http://www.hilalplaza.com/islamic-culture/

Selected Bibliography and References

Gulevich, Tanya. Understanding Islamic and Muslim Traditions. Detroit: Omigraphcs, 2004. Husain, Sharukh. What Do We Know About Islam. , New York: Peter Bedrick Books,1996. Mathe, Jean. The Civilization of Islam. New York: Crescent Books, 1980. Morris, Neil. Islam. Columbus, Ohio: Peter Bedrick Books, McGraw-Hill, 2002. Tames, Richard. The Muslim World. SilverBurdett Company, Macdonald and Co.,1982

Many thanks to Mr. Tim Nolan, 8th grade social studies teacher at R. J. Grey Junior High School, for sharing his resources and his ideas for this webquest.