About LASF: Contra Costa Sun Articles

Legend Comes to Life

By Sandy Mouat
CORRESPONDENT

As legends go, the story of El Dorado is one of the most colorful. It reminds us that our western hemisphere has a cultural history rich in excitement, mystery, and danger. Best of all, it's true.

Recently, students in Laura Smith's Spanish class at Stanley Middle School were amazed to learn that the legend is based on an actual ancient custom of the mountain civilizations of Columbia.

Part of an ongoing program to enrich foreign language learning at Stanley, the new unit about the Legend of El Dorado was recently introduced by Lafayette Arts & Science Foundation instructor Julie Lyverse.

The students learn about El Dorado, which means "Gilded Man," and refers to a ceremony that was performed by a civilization high in the mountains of Colombia. Each year, when a new chief was chosen, his body was covered with gold leafing. A boat, which was also gold, carried the new chief, his advisors, and a substantial load of gold objects and precious stones, out to the middle of Lake Guatavita. The chief dumped all the gold and valuable jewels into the lake, as an offering to the Gods. Finally, he got into the water and washed the gold from his body. The gold floated on the surface of the lake giving the illusion that all was gold.

"The El Dorado story was fascinating, and so was learning about a different culture," said student Ryan Troxel. "The gold is still at the bottom of that lake. The Spanish explorers tried to find it, but couldn't. Yes, I want to go after it!"

Maddie Cohen added, "I didn't think El Dorado was real until LASF taught us the true story."

After the lecture, the students began designing and creating authentic Colombian masks. Lyverse provided the materials and instructions, but the students created unique designs. Their only requirement was that the designs follow authentic patterns.

Lyverse feels that these folk art projects are one positive way to enhance the experience in the foreign language classes, and to foster cultural understanding and empathy for other countries. Her program includes projects on Mexico, Panama, and France.

"Students have limited knowledge of Colombia. I really wanted them to learn about the rich cultural history of the country," Lyverse said. "We have an 'International Night' here at Stanley School, and it is so rewarding to see the glee expressed by the students as they recognize their El Dorado masks on exhibit."

As student Katie Bruzzone observed, "It's been really interesting to find out the true story of El Dorado. It was also interesting to learn about the Colombian culture, at the same time."
 

06/02/04 Reprinted with permission. Visit the Contra Costa Times on the web at www.contracostatimes.com.

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