Unicorn horns and narwhal tusks kept us all entertained during the first week of the summer holidays here at the Yorkshire Museum, writes Emma Williams, assistant curator of learning.
We’ve chosen a theme of mythical creatures for summer 2012′s activities and invited in a wandering minstrel to bring them to life!
His first tale was called the Story of the Unicorn Horn; children in the museum could then take a look at our amazing narwhal tusk.
It is really beautiful, spiralled and about 8 ft long.
No one really knows the function of the Arctic whale’s tusk – many believe it is important in mating rituals or to impress rivals, like a lion’s mane, or a peacock’s feathers.
You can read more on the National Geographic website, which describes the narwhal as “the unicorn of the sea, a pale-colored porpoise found in Arctic coastal waters and rivers”.
Throughout the holidays we’re inviting our children to draw or describe their own mythical creatures and will be putting together the results into a ‘bestiary’, which will go on display.
This week we’re looking at gargoyles which can be seen on medieval architecture all around York (and also 13 – 19 August, and 27 August – 2 September) and you can have a go at making your own from clay.
Next week the theme switches to St George and the Dragon (6 – 12 August), and later on in the summer we look at The Civilised Centaur (20 – 26 August).
Come along and join in the fun!
Visit the Yorkshire Museum website for more details.
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