KS2 / KS3 History: Fashion in Maya civilisation

Video summary

Two Maya hopefuls are signed up for this makeover TV show parody.

Pupils are introduced to traditional male and female Maya outfits and fashion accessories including body paint and hairstyles in two different social groups.

The costumes and accessories are realistic, while bonus fashion tips reveal Mayan beauty standards of sloping foreheads and crossed eyes.

This short film is from the BBC series, History of Early Civilisations - Maya. Through parodies of reality TV shows, this series introduces different aspects of the Maya civilisation.

Back to top

Teacher Notes

Research a range of Maya modes of dress and compare/contrast these with fashion in Britain in the same era.

Plan, create and execute a Maya fashion show with commentary.

Compile a class glossary of Maya terms. Create a crossword with definitions.

Prepare museum displays of these outfits, with captions.

Compare and contrast British society in parallel times.

Explore the influence on our own history and society of the Maya.

Create a Maya headdress.

Design and print Maya fabric using traditional illustrations.

This short film is suitable for teaching history at Key Stages 2 and 3 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and Second and Third Level in Scotland.

Back to top

Maya Civilisation

Jobs in Maya civilisation. video

This entertaining reality TV parody gives an insight into traditional Maya jobs, social structure and career expectations.

Jobs in Maya civilisation

What did Maya houses & buildings look like? video

In this entertaining reality TV parody, a labourer designs, builds and furnishes his nah, or traditional Maya home.

What did Maya houses & buildings look like?

What did the Maya eat? video

This entertaining reality TV parody introduces traditional Maya diet, ingredients and food preparation.

What did the Maya eat?

Mayan Innovations & Inventions. video

Maya inventors present their ideas to a panel of entrepreneurs, hoping for an investment of cacao beans, in this entertaining reality TV parody.

Mayan Innovations & Inventions

Back to top

Islamic Golden Age, circa AD900

Jobs in 900AD Baghdad. video

This entertaining reality TV parody introduces AD900 Baghdad and the typical occupations for both men and women, touching on how women were respected but lacked influence in early Islamic society.

Jobs in 900AD Baghdad

Great Fashion in Baghdad 900AD. video

This entertaining reality TV parody shows traditional male and female Islamic clothing circa AD900, as two plainly clothed merchants prepare to visit the House of Wisdom.

Great Fashion in Baghdad 900AD

How Houses looked in Baghdad 900AD. video

In this entertaining reality TV parody, a nomad has decided to settle down in AD900 Baghdad. He designs, builds and furnishes his traditional family house.

How Houses looked in Baghdad 900AD

Invention & Innovation in Baghdad 900AD. video

Insight into Islamic innovations and inventions in a parody of a popular reality TV show.

Invention & Innovation in Baghdad 900AD

What food did they eat in Baghdad 900AD. video

This entertaining reality TV parody introduces early Islamic diet, ingredients and food preparation circa AD900.

What food did they eat in Baghdad 900AD

Back to top