Art of Pakistan Flashcards
Mohenjo-Daro
An Indus river civilization established around 2700-1500 BCE
civilizations hinge on finding water; linked to agriculture;
not surprising Mohenjo-Daro located near water source (Indus River)
civilization ended around 1500 BCE, most likely due to water severe draught, not foreign invasion;
people migrated to Ganges river
was a citadel (larged walled in city)
estimated 20-50k lived there
walls up to 50ft high, built 2 story homes with trusk temper ceilings
mud bricks were fired in kilns and are relatively well preserved
evidence of ritual bathing in large central bath; sets precedent for major cultural tendencies
no indication of temples or palaces: similar to a commercial center (many beads found–traded jewelry and beads)
city is laid out in a rational way and is aligned with a compass; has wide streets in grid-like fashion
had good sanitation with drainage of sewage, rain water; many wells for fresh water
Identify:
Robed Male Figure in Mohenjo-Daro
limestone
Robed Male Figure in Mohenjo-Daro
limestone
didn’t find a lot of artistic things in Mohenjo-Daro
sense of serenity: eyes closed, dressed in robe over one shoulder, headdress
forehead is relatively shallow, thick lips, and nose pronounced and flattened
trefoils pattern on robe; motif found in Ancient Egypt and Near East; Art Noveau
some similarity between this work and Easter Island sculptures
purpose of figure: almost looks like he’s meditating; maybe a religious leader or a priest; perhaps also a ruler or leader; but neither are probably true because of lack of evidence of political or religious institutions
Identify
Torso, Harappa
red sandstone
Torso, Harappa
red sandstone
just under 4 inches; love of beauty and sensuality of both male and female figures;
figures are shown as nude high degree of naturalism; suppleness, roundness;
figure is neither stylized nor geometric
curvature to back as if the pelvis is moved forward
association of eroticism with religious elements
Harappa was another major city in the Indus River valley
Identify
Seal with Seated Figure in Yogic Posture, Mohenjo-Daro
2600-1900 BC
Seal with Seated Figure in Yogic Posture, Mohenjo-Daro
2600-1900 BC
relatively small; could be attached to a string and carried around
wouldn’t be flat but circular, could roll over a piece of clay
above figure is Pakastani form of cuneiform (haven’t been able to translate)
representations of animals such as buffalo, tiger, elephant; premonition of Indian art;
also the erect phallus will be common in Hindu Gods
beauty and sensuality; ornamentation; art connecting spiritual with symbolism
