You have the chance to take a trip to Peru. You will have to miss a few weeks of school (too bad!) so your teacher has asked you to send some postcards to your class to show your friends something about the culture of Peru.
 

Keeping in mind that Peruvian culture draws on the rich traditions of the pre-Incan and Incan civilizations as well as those of Spain, you will need to chose images that reflect these different influences. Possible areas of investigation might be architecture (including ruins), the arts (including ceramics and sculpture), textiles, clothing or costume and food.
 

You will need to select at least five images for your postcards. On the back of each card, write a few sentences describing the cultural significance of the postcard.
 

Step One - Research
 

Go to the library to find books and articles on Peruvian culture.

Some possible titles include:

Karen, Ruth. Kingdom of the sun: the Inca, empire builders

Of the Americas.

Malpass, Michael. Daily life in the Inca empire.

Holligan, Jane. Peru: a guide to the people, politics and culture.
 

Get on the Internet to look for WEBsites on Peruvian culture.

Possible sites include:

http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/pe.html

http://www.cord.edu/homepages/njsaetve/english.html

http://homepages.which.net/~peru-embassy-uk/general.htm
 
 

Step Two - Selection
 

Think over the information you have found and choose 5 images to use

for your postcards. You may draw, photocopy, download, buy or cut images from magazines.
 
 

Step Three - Postcards
 

For each postcard, write a paragraph explaining the sociocultural significance of the image you have chosen. Don't forget to include basic facts such as name, location or other identifying information about each image. Explain your reasons for chosing each particular image - why you think it is important.