How to Make a Model of the Etruscan Tombs
The Etruscans were a predominately pre-Roman civilization on the Italian peninsula generally in what is now Tuscany. The Etruscans were absorbed into larger Roman culture, and much of the Etruscan culture was appropriated by the Romans. Similarities between Etruscan myths, religion and art and later Roman examples were discovered mostly by uncovering Etruscan tombs, our best source of information on the Etruscans.
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Things You'll Need
- 2 pieces of sturdy foam board
- Craft foam
- Glue
- Craft clay
- Sand
- Markers or crayons
- Craft moss
- Doll house furnishings
Instructions
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1
Cover a large piece of foam board with glue and sprinkle sand on top to represent the rocky, arid Tuscan landscape where most Etruscan tombs are found. Model trees and bushes can also be added to heighten the illusion.
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2
Draw a brick pattern on bendable foam about 2 inches high and 12 inches long. Color the bricks a light grey and tan to replicate the appearance of Italian tufa stone bricks used to create the bases of Etruscan tombs. Create two of these.
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3
Glue one of your brick patterned strips in a circle to the foam board. The circle should close completely and be glued shut. The brick pattern should face outwards towards the viewer.
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4
Use fast drying clay to create the traditional arched roof of an Etruscan tomb over the brick facade base. You can fill the inside of the circle with clay to support the roof if it is too heavy for the foam.
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5
Glue moss to the roof of the tomb to replicate the look of the sod roofs once the clay has dried completely.
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6
Glue your second foam brick strip to the foam board in a circle the same as the first. This one will not have a roof to show the inside of an Etruscan tomb.
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7
Create a small rectangle using the same foam you used to create your tomb walls. This will represent the stone beds carved into Etruscan tombs. The rectangle should be longer on one side like a bed and be colored the same as the walls since it was carved from the same stone.
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8
Add small dollhouse items to represent the funerary items placed in the tombs. Etruscans often included household items like pots, vases, ropes, knives and chairs. You can buy many of these items at a craft or hobby store that carries dollhouses and accessories.
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9
Print out examples of Etruscan frescoes found in tombs like the Tomb of the Lionesses and the Tomb of the Hunting Pavilion. Glue these to a piece of foam board to be displayed with your model. Tomb painting is an important part of the study of Etruscan tombs and should be included in any display.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Photos.com/Photos.com/Getty Images
