Split Twig Figurines
by Carol J. Ellick, M.A., RPA, SRI Foundation
cjellick@srifoundation.org
Age: 7 and up
Objectives: Provides a chance to reproduce replicas of perishable
artifacts originally made 4000 years ago.
Materials: Pipe cleaners and information pages; options for more experimentation include using
wrapped-wire used for making the stems of silk flowers; and willow twigs, if available
Preparation: Photocopy a sufficient quantity of information pages for your event. Provide
several finished figurines using each of the materials.
Number of volunteers: 1 volunteer for every 2–4 children
Procedure:

1. Fold the pipe cleaner in ½.

4. Take the bottom of the sectionthat you just folded down, andfold it up to make the other leg.

7. Bend the segment pointing
up put to make the head.

2. Fold the doubled end downslightly less than 1 inch toform the back leg.

5. Fold the segment that points
forward over the one thatpoints up.

8. Wrap the extra down the neckand around the body.

3. Measure out about 1 ¼ inches
and fold one segment down toform the other leg.

6. Wrap the segment aroundthe legs to form the body andtuck in the end.

Split twig figurines have been found in protected areas within the Grand Canyon. It is estimatedthat some of the figurines may be as much as 4000 years old. Figurines appear to represent
bighorn sheep and mule deer. Both animals are still very common in the Grand Canyon today.
The peoples who made these little animal figures were most likely the ancestors of some of themodern Native American people who live in the Four Corners area today.
The figurines were made from willow twigs (in a method similar to the one illustrated above.)
When the shapes were finished, they were placed in a sacred area in the back of a cave.
What they take away: Each visitor takes an information page containing the preservation
information and their finished split twig figurine.
Preservation message: Perishable materials such as split twig figurines are delicate andunusual. They are handled with care by scientists. If someone finds an artifact, it should bereported to an archaeologist or the State Historic Preservation Office.
(SAA President tested, child approved. ☺)Instruction Page for Split Twig Figurine
Split twig figurines have beenfound in protected areas within
the Grand Canyon. It is estimatedthat some of the figurines may be as
much as 4000 years old. Figurines
appear to represent bighorn sheep
and mule deer. Both animals arestill very common in the Grand
Canyon today.
The peoples who made these little
animal figures were most likely
the ancestors of some of themodern Native American people
who live in the Four Corners
area today.

1. Fold the pipe cleaner in ½.

2. Fold the doubled end down slightly
less than 1 inch to form the back leg.

3. Measure out about 1 ¼ inches andfold one segment down to form theother leg.

The figurines were made fromwillow twigs (in a method similar
to the one illustrated on the right.)
When the shapes were finished,
they were placed in a sacredarea in the back of a cave.

Preservation
Perishable artifacts—those madefrom grasses, twigs, and otherorganic materials—rarelysurvive in archaeological sites.

4. Take the bottom of the section thatyou just folded down, and fold it up to
make the other leg.

5. Fold the segment that points
forward over the one that points up.

7. Bend the segment pointing up put tomake the head.

8. Wrap the extra down the neck andaround the body.

All care must be taken to preserve
these materials. Scientists wear
clean white cotton gloves whenanalyzing split twig figurinesand other organic materials.
If you find artifacts, please contact
an archaeologist to report the findor notify your State HistoricPreservation Office.

6. Wrap the segment around the legs
to form the body and tuck in the end.