CANARIAN PINTADERAS
Discovering Pintaderas Canarias: Ancient Canary Island Stamps and a Creative Geometry
Activity
Examples of Pintaderas
Below are some representative examples of pintaderas canarias. These images show the variety of shapes and motifs commonly found in archaeological collections.
PINTADERA MAGEC OR SOLAR
PINTADERAS WITH ASTRAL SHAPES
Look for patterns such as triangles, squares, spirals, or combinations of regular polygons arranged in circular compositions. These will be helpful for your activity.
Important: First Create the Design on A4 Drawing Paper
Before progressing to any hands-on activity, students must first create their pintadera design on A4 drawing paper.
This step allows you to:
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Plan the proportions of the geometric pattern
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Decide which polygons to use
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Experiment with symmetry and composition
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Prepare a clean reference drawing (the sketch in your note book)
This A4 design becomes the blueprint for the optional extension activity.
5. Optional Extension Activity: Create a Pintadera Using Modeling Clay
For students who want to take the project further, there is an optional creative activity:
Make Your Pintadera with Modeling Clay
Students may:
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Shape a circular clay tablet.
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Transfer the geometric design from their A4 drawing.
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Carve, press, or sculpt the lines and shapes.
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Add textures or raised surfaces inspired by archaeological pintaderas.
This activity allows you to connect more deeply with the original purpose of pintaderas, exploring how ancient artisans might have worked with similar materials.
Learning Goals
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Understand the cultural significance of pintaderas canarias.
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Identify and analyze geometric patterns in historical art.
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Use mathematical concepts to create an original artistic design.
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Connect cultural heritage with creative expression.
