LESSONS: Visual and Performing Arts- Toran Project

Please refer to page 35 for more headdress images.

Please refer to page 35 for more headdress images. Click on images to enlarge.

Please refer to page 35 for more headdress images.

The class will make paper torans, inspired by traditional fabric torans. A toran is a traditional textile from northwest India. The hanging is an auspicious sign of welcome which is hung over doors in many rural village homes of Rajasthan and Gujarat States.
Please refer to page 35 for more headdress images.	Originally, torans were made of the leaves of a certain tree, and many toran forms with their downwards pointed pendants still reflect this leaf shape. Traditionally, torans are made of fabric and occasionally of netted beadwork. Most torans have some embroidery, mirror pieces, sequins, and/or old fabric scraps with metal thread work, woven silk, or tie dye. Designs include floral, geometric, animal, and figurative motifs which are often symbolic. These images include the sun and plants for fertility and growth, triangular shapes to symbolize the temple of the mother goddess, peacocks for happiness, and elephants for good luck. Often every available space is loaded with delightful images and patterns. Torans are a great source of pride and display the talents of the women who make them. Among some communities, torans are important parts of the dowry that the bride takes to her new home.
For another toran image, go to The Shining Cloth Web site at http://shiningcloth.ucdavis.edu and click on the Gallery section, then go to Mirrors, image 4/1.

Torans are rectangles of fabric that stretch horizontally across the inside of the door frame. They have an odd number (5 to 7 is typical for a toran 30" wide) of pointed or sometimes square pendants hanging down. Often, torans have small finishing touches that add to their richness. Some have small rag tassels at each pendant tip, or several different fabric edgings, or pieces of metallic ribbon, rik rak, or sequins, or tassels hanging in between the pendants.

Supplies:
For each student- a piece of white, brown or colored butcher paper about 30 inches wide by 24 inches high. Assorted colored papers; magazine or mail order catalogue color images; aluminum foil for mirrors; recycled candy and other wrappers; other flat found objects; color media such as crayons, oil pastels, or tempera paints; White glue or glue sticks; scissors; yardsticks or ruler; sequins, trims, ribbons, rick rack, fabric scraps.

Procedure:
1. Cross-piece: Students first determine the horizontal part of the toran. Draw a line with a yardstick to separate the cross piece from where the pendants begin.
2. Pendants: Students determine the number of pendants and either draw free-hand or measure
3. Cut away the extra paper around the pendant shapes.
4. Make symbols, images, patterns, colors to the horizontal part and the pendants with mixed media.
5. Add finishing touches like shredded paper tassels, sequins, trims.