I've often used this reading in my classes on the Shang Dynasty. It's Bridgette Byrd O’Connor so it's awesome.
Over the last few years, I've noticed the kids have latched on to the story of Lady Fu Hao. Specifically, about 1/2 my students really are interested in her.....
I decided to do a little History as a Mystery project about her tomb.
Here's my intro:
In 1976 (a good year), a significant archaeological discovery was made about 25 feet underground in Anyang, the ruins of the last Shang capital. Zheng Zhenxiang (1929–2024), often called the "First Lady of Chinese Archaeology," unearthed a tomb. Unlike the massive tombs of the Kings, this was a relatively modest rectangular pit. Its contents, however, were extraordinary because they had never been disturbed by grave robbers—it was filled with artifacts!
Today, we will examine this finding to determine whose tomb it was and what it reveals about the individual buried there and the broader Shang culture.
Here's the activity:
Make some stations.
Kids move.
Read card.
Make some informed guesses.
Closing:
What do you know THINK you know about this person?
Who do you think this person was?
What does all this tell you about the Shang's culture and values?
I am hoping to get to some discussions about the Jade trade, conquering, and the exclusion of powerful women from history.
I'd love to hear some thoughts, critiques, suggestions, whatevers.
