"Kihnu Naine and the Summer Solstice"

• This mural by artist Aaron Glasson depicts three Estonian women from the island of Kihnu and their intrinsic relationship with fishing and the sea. 
• In his artist's statement, Glasson explains that dwindling herring populations threaten the Indigenous community's way of life on Kihnu. 
• The mural is located on the side of the Estonian Marine Authority building in Harju maakond, Estonia. 

Positives

• Students will be interested in discussing this vibrant and interesting mural.
• Aaron Glasson explains his inspiration for the mural in the accompanying video.
  

Additional Prerequisites

• Teachers may want to show students where Estonia (and Kihnu) are located on a map.
  

Differentiation

• In small groups, students could discuss the following questions:
  • What is each of the three women doing?
  • What do you think the woman in blue represents?
  • How did the artist depict the connection between the people of Kihnu and the natural world?
  • How did the artist use color to convey meaning?
• Music classes could listen to Kihnu Virve's music online and discuss the role of folk music in preserving and celebrating culture.
• Other resources on this topic include this podcast on unsustainable fishing methods, this Khan Academy video on sustainability, and this short film on Indigenous fishing practices.
  

This resource addresses the listed standards. To fully meet standards, search for more related resources.