Description:
Did you know that the "Asaroton floor motif" was invented by Sosus of Pergamun in about 150 B.C.? Well, now you do, and, if you get this mosaic-making kit, you can find out what "asaroton" means, too. Along with a little history of Greek, Byzantine, Islamic, and other artistic styles, the booklet gives you full instructions on turning out your own mosaic projects. Armed with plastic tweezers, a glue pen, five templates, and hundreds of colored plastic "tesserae," or mosaic pieces, you are fully equipped to try your hand at this ancient art--and you may feel the need to supply your own toga. As the packaging warns, the tesserae are an obvious choking hazard; the glue pen also needs close supervision, or else replacement--in our sample it was almost impossible to remove the top without breaking the glue cartridge. (It's a mistake to become part of the mosaic yourself!) Nonetheless, kids who like crafts will enjoy creating their own mosaics and will discover that they have accidentally learned a significant chunk of art history. (Ages 4 to 7) --Richard Farr
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