One of the first things that I want you to pay attention to is the interior architecture of the churches and dwellings that you will see. You should make some sketches of details that you find important to the structure. Remember to think about shape. Also, pigeons played a large roll in the monks life in Cappadocia, they provided food, fertilizer and possibly acted as messengers. You will see pigeon houses all over the place, take note of these too and how they are built.
We also looked at and talked about the interiors of the churches that are painted. You are supposed to make a detailed sketch that shows part of an interior. It does not have to be the whole church, but a section of it that is interesting to you. The questions you want to answer are: Where did the monks get the pigment for their paints? And how did they make the paint?
I have asked you to find three symbols to record in your sketchbooks. When you come back we are going too share these symbols in the class and try to interpret what they stand for. Look for symbols that are carved as well as painted and try to look for one that nobody else is noticing. And don't forget about the chicken. In one of the churches there are paintings of chickens. No, they are not large pigeons! I want you to draw the chicken and to try and find out what it symbolizes. Your clue: It has something to do with Egypt.
Have a great time, I look forward to seeing all the information that you will bring back to the classroom.
Grade 7 Kapadokya Check List
- Architectural sketches of interiors (x2)
- Note the colours of the frescoes and find out about pigment
- Sketch a detail of one of the frescoes
- Find and record (x3) symbols
- Find the chicken, draw it and find out its story
- Have fun
