Incorporating the God’s Eye, or Ojo de Dios, into an art lesson offers a rich and colorful way to explore Mexican culture. Traditionally woven by the Huichol and Tepehuan people of Mexico, the God’s Eye has long symbolized protection.
Its design represents the four elements—earth, fire, air, and water—which were believed to bring balance and security to the maker.
Historically, a God’s Eye would be woven over time, with a father starting the craft when a child was born and adding a new color each year for the first five years of the child’s life. This process not only celebrated growth and development but also symbolized the ability to “see the unseen” through a deeper, spiritual connection with the world.
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A Modern Twist: Jay Mohler’s God’s Eyes
While the God’s Eye has deep roots in Mexican culture, it has also inspired modern artists to reinterpret this traditional craft. Jay Mohler, an American artist, is known for creating intricate, mandala-like God’s Eyes that blend both Huichol and Tibetan weaving styles. His designs go far beyond the simple two-stick craft, using layers of yarn and multiple sticks to create mesmerizing geometric patterns.
While the craft’s cultural origins are deeply significant, today, it serves as a beautiful, hands-on activity for classrooms,where students can engage both creatively and meaningfully. Through this project, students not only explore patterns, colors, and textures, but also have the opportunity to connect with cultural heritage in a way that is engaging and accessible.
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Materials for Crafting a God’s Eye
- Two or more sticks (popsicle sticks, chopsticks, or twigs)
- Assorted colorful yarn
- Scissors
- Glue gun (optional, for securing the sticks)
- Optional: beads, tassels, or feathers for decoration
Steps to Create a God’s Eye
Crafting a God’s Eye is a versatile and straightforward process that can be adapted to different age groups and skill levels. Below is a step-by-step guide to facilitate this project in a classroom or at home.
Step 1: Preparing the Base
Begin by crossing two sticks at the center, forming a plus sign. Use a piece of yarn to tie them securely where they meet. Wrapping the yarn tightly a few times around the center ensures that the sticks stay in place. For younger students or more complex designs, a small dab of glue can be used to help keep the sticks from shifting.
Step 2: Wrapping the Yarn
Once the base is ready, the process of weaving begins. Start by tying the yarn to the center of the crossed sticks. The method used to wrap the yarn is simple: pull the yarn over one stick and then under the next, moving around the sticks in a circular pattern. As the yarn wraps around, a diamond shape will form at the center.
It’s important to encourage students to wrap the yarn with a gentle, even tension to maintain the structure of the sticks without bending them. This wrapping process can be repeated until a desired amount of the stick frame is covered.
Step 3: Changing Colors
To introduce new colors, cut the yarn being used and tie a new color to the same stick where the previous one left off. This provides a natural transition and allows the color layers to build evenly. Whether alternating colors every few rounds or creating larger blocks of color, the possibilities are endless for students to explore different combinations and patterns.
Step 4: Try Using More Sticks (Optional)
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can use three or four sticks instead of two. This will give you a more detailed and interesting design. Just make sure to tie the sticks together tightly at the center before you start weaving, and follow the same over-under pattern with your yarn.
Step 5: Adding Final Touches
Once the desired size of the God’s Eye has been reached, the yarn can be tied off at the back. A small loop of yarn can be added to the top for hanging. To personalize the craft further, decorations such as beads, feathers, or tassels can be attached to the ends of the sticks, adding an extra element of creativity and individuality to each piece.
The Educational Value of the God’s Eye Craft
While crafting a God’s Eye is a fun, hands-on activity, it also offers valuable educational insights, particularly in the context of STEAM learning (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math). This project introduces concepts of geometry, such as radial symmetry—a pattern radiating out from the center, as seen in both nature and art.
As students wrap yarn around the sticks, they are not only working with patterns and symmetry but also developing fine motor skills and learning about the cultural significance of the project. Moreover, the repetitive process of wrapping the yarn creates a calming and focused environment, ideal for encouraging mindfulness in the classroom.
Additionally, by exploring the Huichol tradition and the cultural importance of the God’s Eye, students gain an understanding of how art can carry meaning beyond its aesthetic appeal. The elements of earth, fire, air, and water, represented by the four points of the God’s Eye, introduce students to symbolism in art, fostering a deeper connection between creativity and cultural appreciation.
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Incorporating the God’s Eye Into a Classroom Lesson
This project is highly adaptable, making it suitable for various classroom settings and age groups. Younger students may enjoy the simplicity of weaving with just two sticks and bright colors, while older students could be challenged with using more sticks to create complex designs. Regardless of the approach, the God’s Eye craft allows students to express their creativity while learning about Mexican culture.
Here are a few ways to incorporate the project into a broader lesson plan:
- Art and Culture Integration: Combine this project with a lesson on Mexican traditions, allowing students to explore how art can represent cultural values.
- STEAM Focus: Use the God’s Eye to introduce or reinforce concepts of geometry, symmetry, and even physics, as students can explore the balance and tension involved in weaving the yarn.
- History Lesson: Share the story of the Huichol people and their use of the God’s Eye as a symbol of protection, helping students appreciate the cultural significance behind the craft.
FAQs About the God’s Eye Craft
Final Thoughts on the God’s Eye Craft
The God’s Eye craft is not only a colorful and engaging project but also an excellent way to introduce students to the rich cultural heritage of Mexico. Through this activity, students learn the history and symbolism behind the craft, while alsodeveloping their creativity and fine motor skills. Whether used in an art class, a cultural studies unit, or a STEAM lesson, this simple yet meaningful project offers endless possibilities for exploration and expression.
By combining artistic creativity with cultural appreciation, the God’s Eye provides a unique opportunity to create something special while connecting to a tradition that spans generations.