The Cay Chapters 9 - 10

     Timothy insists that Phillip help with the weaving even though he is blind. He does this so Phillip won't give up on life and become completely dependent on Timothy. Weaving a pot holder like the one above may give you a feel for what Phillip went through weaving the mats. Close your eyes and try to guide the strings by feel alone.

     Phillip talks about the fun time he had as a young boy during Carnival, "when he'd put frangipani leaves around his ankles and dress up in a donkey hide to parade around with mocki jumbis, the spirit chasers, while the old ladies of Charlotte Amalie danced the bambola around them." ¹

     What is Carnival? What activities take place during Carnival?

     Carnival is one of the most exciting festivals in South America. Carnival begins the Saturday before Lent and lasts until the following Tuesday. During this four day celebration in late February or early March many activities take place. They include parades, music, dancing, fireworks, and masquerades, and theme parties. The theme usually is from a part of  history or culture like the Portuguese navigators who discovered Brazil or the Indians of the Amazon region. The theme is shown through floats, costumes, and songs.

     Make a mask that could be worn at Carnival. We glued feathers and sequins onto foam to make the one pictured above.

¹Excert from The Cay by Theodore Taylor  

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