Welcome to RAIN!
Welcome to our Web version of RAIN, an integrated curriculum developed by the Heard Museum for use in grades K through 3. (Click here for the PDF version) This exhibit represents the first phase of our efforts to bring our traveling kits (based on our 1993-95 special exhibit RAIN and used by Arizona teachers) to a global audience via the Web. During the next several months we will be expanding the curriculum to include materials for grades 4 through 6 (including a Spanish version of the curriculum) and multimedia components while simultaneously rearranging the materials to be as user-friendly as possible. We hope you enjoy the exhibit and stay tuned for more Rain...
Rain
The Southwest United States and Northwest Mexico exist in a rain shadow cast by mountain ranges to the west. Rainfall is light and undependable. There are two rainy seasons: summer and winter. Often, summer rains are brief and highly localized, as clouds suddenly boil up from the south in the afternoon and early evening. Winter storms come from the Pacific Ocean and may arrive in waves, soaking the ground. In higher elevations, the rain becomes snow. In between these two seasons are dry periods, when great care must be taken to ensure life and growth until the next rain.
The indigenous people of the Southwest welcome rain into their lives and land, praying for the blessing of rain through a variety of ceremonies and creative expressions. Many expressions of rain and water focus on rain's connection to making life and growth possible. Expressions may be enduring, such as embroidered figures on a ceremonial garment. Some are intended to be temporary, such as body paint on a ceremonial participant or the pigments of a sand painting. Other expressions take the form of music, song, oratory, poetry, and prayer.
For all of the cultures in this exhibit, rain has deep meanings that reflect a culture's unique experience with the universe. This deep spiritual relationship is far from the stereotype of the "Indian Rain Dance", or feeble jokes suggesting a superficial and simplistic magic.
As you look at specific designs or symbols, please remember that they are part of a whole and have meaning as part of that whole. Expressions of rain span centuries. Some of the forms change, but the intent of people to bring the blessings that come from rain into their lives and the world remains unchanged.
This online version of RAIN is funded in part by a grant from the Metropolitan Life Foundation. Locally, financial support has been provided by The Arizona Republic Charities.
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