Cultural Identity Unit Two | 14 Reading & Reflection | 7 Feature Stories & 7 Interviews

Our second Cultural Identity collection includes 14 in-depth feature stories and interviews examines a particular dimension of cultural identity that is both universal and locally distinct. Each story features the perceptions, observations, and experiences of culture creators from around the world on a specific cultural dimension and reveals the connection between identity and cultural practices.

Each of these lessons explore the meaning and relevance of traditions and customs, and demonstrate the real-life impact of historical events and social change.

Unit Two Lessons:

Cultural Identity & Maritime | Building a Wooden Boat with Oselvar Workshop

This World Cultures lesson is an 11-page interview that invites students to explore cultural identity through maritime activity, tradition, and art. The interview puts students in the shoes of Åsmund Lien, co-founder of Oselvarverkstaden and master Oselvar boat maker. Using Viking building techniques from the 3rd and 4th centuries AD, these boats provide a snapshot from thousands of years ago and are a staple in Norwegian culture. Students will learn the craftsmanship that goes into building Oselvar boats, the importance of preserving this culture through the Economuseum concept, and the decorative paint style of rosemaling.

Cultural Identity & Festivals | Exuberant Parachicos Festival in Mexico Inspired By Local Legend

This World Cultures lesson is an 18-page feature story that invites students to explore cultural identity through learning about an annual Mexican festival and its historic and traditional significance. Festivals play an important role in expressing and preserving cultural identity. The annual Parachicos Festival in Chiapa de Corzo, Mexico, is a prime example of how communities use celebration, music, dance, and tradition to reflect their culture. The festival, recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage, has been celebrated since a local legend in 1711 and continues to showcase Mexico’s rich and colorful cultural history.

Cultural Identity & Dance | Alvaro Restrepo, Founder of The School of the Body in Cartagena, Colombia

This World Cultures lesson is a 23-page interview that invites students to explore cultural identity and the influence of dance on the lives of a professional dancer and teacher and his students in Colombia. Alvaro Restrepo, founder of The School of the Body in Cartagena, Colombia, shares his personal story about how dance changed his life and gave him his calling, and how it can be an outlet for those looking for a constructive, creative outlet.

Cultural Identity & Folk Art | What are Alebrijes? World Renowned Artisans Reveal Backstory

This World Cultures lesson is a 28-page interview that invites students to explore cultural identity through art, tradition, and community practices in Oaxaca. Oaxacan artists Jacobo and Maria Angeles share their personal journey and cultural knowledge to explain the significance of alebrijes for Mexican and Zapotec culture. Through tequio, guelaguetza, and sustainability, the husband and wife preserve a cultural tradition that is more than just transforming a piece of copal wood; it’s a cultural heritage.

Cultural Identity & Landscapes | Cranberry Bogs Inspire a Beloved U.S. Tradition

This World Cultures lesson is an 11-page feature story that invites students to explore cultural identity through an exploration of the New England landscape, the history of cultivating cranberries in Massachusetts and the development of the co-operative society. Cranberry bogs are a defining cultural landscape of Cape Cod that reflect the region’s history, traditions, and relationship with the land. The fall harvest transforms the landscape into a vivid seasonal display touched by centuries of agricultural practice. Every year, the Cranberry Harvest Celebration draws thousands of visitors to view how this working landscape continues to express Cape Cod’s cultural identity and shared heritage.

Cultural Identity & Spiritual Practices | Culture in Malta Features Faith, Family and Pageantry

This World Cultures lesson is a 12-page feature story that invites students to explore cultural identity through spiritual practices, celebration, and tradition in Malta. In this story, spirituality is seen as a cultural dimension through examining how communities on the island practice Catholicism, the country’s state religion. Through the Good Friday procession, students gain insight into how spiritual practice, tradition, and cultural identity are expressed in everyday life and across generations of Maltese life.

Cultural Identity & Textiles | Kaqchikel Culture of Guatemala Based on Family and Traditions

This World Cultures lesson is a 13-page feature story that invites students to explore cultural identity through textiles, art, and hospitality in Guatemala. Though Kaqchikel culture may not be widely known, it is an important part of Guatemala’s cultural heritage. The Kaqchikel are subject to racism and other cultural disparities in modern-day Guatemala, but persevere to show passionate hospitality to guests and to preserve their culture. From hand-woven textiles to unique foods, Kaqchikel culture is filled with family and tradition. Three generations of the Lopez-Hernandez family give an inside look at this unique culture.

Cultural Identity & Visual Arts | Oslo City Hall Features Murals by Renowned Norwegian Artists

Sigrun Myrmellem, an administrator who oversees the art collection in Oslo City Hall, shares how art in the city hall expresses Norwegian values, history, and culture. Myrmellem shares how specific pieces in the collection represent different dimensions of Norway’s cultural identity, and gives an overview of some of the art movements in Norway and background on some of the best known Norwegian painters.

Cultural Identity & Food | Hisa Franko Restaurant Focuses on Risk and Re-Learning Traditions

This World Cultures lesson is a 25-page interview that invites students to explore cultural identity through food, tradition, and connecting with new cultures in Slovenia. Chef Ana Ros gives an inside look at the story of her Slovenian restaurant, Hisa Franko, while also highlighting both the uniqueness of individual cultures as well as principles that are cultural universals. Her restaurant has been on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list since 2017 and currently holds three Michelin stars. In this interview, Ros describes how both local and foreign cultures have changed the way she cooks, and why it’s so important to try new things.

Cultural Identity & Archaeology | How Croatia’s Many Borders Influenced the History of the Croats

Croatian curator and archaeologist Dr. Domagoj Perkic shares his personal story and insights on the history of Croatia and his work with other archaeologists, speleologists, and conservators.

Cultural Identity & Music | Irma Thomas, Soul Queen of New Orleans Shares Wisdom

This World Cultures lesson is a 25-page interview that invites students to explore cultural identity through music, history, and religion. Irma Thomas, also known as the “Soul Queen of New Orleans,” shares her story influenced by spiritual practices and her cultural identity. The 2007 Grammy winner (Best Contemporary Blues Album for “After the Rain”) and Louisiana Music Hall of Fame inductee recounts her story, which goes further than just music; Irma’s introduction to singing, life lessons, and religion are what set this interview apart.

Cultural Identity & Heritage | Insights of Gaudi Architecture from Sculptor Luis Gueilburt

Gaudí expert and sculptor Luis Gueilburt shares his personal story and insights on the history of Gaudí architecture and the role it plays in Barcelona’s culture

Cultural Identity & Heritage | What is UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage?

Former UNESCO Secretary of the Intangible Heritage Convention Cécile Duvelle shares her personal story and insights on the growth of an International Convention created to officially recognize items of intangible cultural heritage.

Cultural Identity & Language | What Are Endangered Languages

Alaska Native Language Center (ANLC) founder Michael Krauss shares his personal story and insights on the history of Native Alaskan linguistics and shares the importance of language preservation to prevent languages from becoming endangered or extinct.