Art of Ancient Near East: Vocab

Question 1

What is the Hierarchy of Scale? Examples.

Answer 1

The use of difference in size to indicate relative importance.
Example: The Stele of Naram-Sin (Akkadian)

Question 2

What is a Cuneiform?

Answer 2

An early form of writing with wedged shape marks impressed into wet clay with a triangular stylus, primarily used in ancient Mesopotania.
Key words: Writing, wet clay, stylus.

Question 3

What is a Ziggurat? Examples.

Answer 3

A tall stepped tower of earthen material, often supporting a shrine.
Example: Temple of Anu (White temple) and ziggurat at Urk (Summerian)

Question 4

What is a register? Examples.

Answer 4

A device used system of spatial definition whereby compositions are divided into horizontal bands that are usually vertically aligned.
Example: The Warka vase (Summerian)

Question 5

What are Votive figures?

Answer 5

An image/object created as a devotional object to a deity.

Question 6

What is a Stele? Examples.

Answer 6

A stone shaped slab placed vertically and decorated with inscriptions of reliefs; often used as grave markers or commemorative monuments.
Example: Stele of Ushmagal and Shara-igizi-abzu (Summerian)

Question 7

What is Composite View?

Answer 7

Depiction of a figure simultaneously from serval view-points, especially combining frontal and profile (side views)