Step 4: Eyewitnesses to the Rule of Pinochet (Class Time: 50 Minutes)

Step 4: Eyewitnesses to the rule of Pinochet (Class Time: 50 minutes)

Take the class to a computer lab for this lesson. Begin by playing the video “Threads of Hope” excerpt from youtube [ approximately 5 minutes (a few gruesome images in the clip).

Now divide the class into groups to look at different online exhibits of arpilleras, the quilts made by the mothers of the “disappeared” in Chile during the rule of General Augusto Pinochet. To find the websites which feature both arpilleras and have explanations of the artwork, visit this link to download the materials:

If students are not able to access the internet, images of arpilleras are included in this lesson for use in the classroom; project these and discuss as a whole class. (3.3g.1-.6)

Show the photograph of the Mothers of the Disappeared (3.3h). Ask the class to create three captions: one for a Pinochet-controlled newspaper, one for an underground Chilean newspaper, and one for a U.S. newspaper.

Discuss the mixed feelings that Americans and American media outlets would have about hearing details of the “disappeared” in Chile.

Discuss which headline was the hardest one to generate. Why was it the hardest one?

Teaching the Past for Tomorrow

Blueprint Session

3.3g.1Arpillera

Anonymous. “Al servicio de la vida/Servicing life.” Chilean arpillera. c. 1978, Photo Martin Melaugh. Transforming Threads of Resistance: Political Arpilleras & Textiles by Women from Chile and Around the World.” UMass Student Union Art Gallery. Web. Accessed 15 November 2012.

3.3g.2Arpillera

Violeta Morales. “Sala de torturas/Torture Chamber.” Chilean arpillera. 1996, Photo Colin Peck. Transforming Threads of Resistance: Political Arpilleras & Textiles by Women from Chile and Around the World.” UMass Student Union Art Gallery. Web. Accessed 15 November 2012.

3.3g.3Arpillera

Anonymous. “Encadenamiento/Women Chained to Parliament Gates.” Chilean arpillera. Late 1980s, photo Martin Melaugh. Transforming Threads of Resistance: Political Arpilleras & Textiles by Women from Chile and Around the World.” UMass Student Union Art Gallery. Web. Accessed 15 November 2012.

3.3g.4Arpillera

Vicaria de la Solidaridad. “Queremos Democracia/We want democracy.” Chilean Arpillera. 1988, photo Martin Melaugh. Transforming Threads of Resistance: Political Arpilleras & Textiles by Women from Chile and Around the World.” UMass Student Union Art Gallery. Web. Accessed 15 November 2012.

3.3g.5Arpillera

Anonymous. “Homenaje a los caídos/Homage to fallen ones.” Chilean arpillera, late 1970s. Photo Colin Peck. Transforming Threads of Resistance: Political Arpilleras & Textiles by Women from Chile and Around the World.” UMass Student Union Art Gallery. Web. Accessed 15 November 2012.

3.3g.6Arpillera

Anonymous. “Paz–Justicia-Libertad/Peace-Justice-Freedom.” Chilean arpillera, late 1970s. Photo Colin Peck. Transforming Threads of Resistance: Political Arpilleras & Textiles by Women from Chile and Around the World.” UMass Student Union Art Gallery. Web. Accessed 15 November 2012.

Teaching the Past for Tomorrow

Blueprint Session

3.3g.1KEY: Arpillera

3.3g.2KEY: Arpillera

3.3g.3KEY: Arpillera

3.3g.4KEY: Arpillera

3.3g.5KEY: Arpillera

3.3g.6KEY: Arpillera

3.3hPhotograph: Create a headline

“Agrupacio de Familiares de Dentenidos Desaparecidos de Chile.” Museo de la Memoria y los Derechos Humanos. Web. Accessed 15 November 2012.

Teaching the Past for Tomorrow

Blueprint Session

Teachng the Past for Tomorrow

Blueprint Session