Exam 1 Flashcards
Western Cultural Bias
Monotheism: Western Culture
Polytheism: Hinduism
Ideas about Progress
History as Linear Progression
Cyclical View of History
History as Linear Progression
Christian Narrative is linear. Creation, a fall from grace, redemption and chance at salvation. Is presented as a tragic human story of loss, self-sacrifice, atonement
Cyclical View of History
A dynamic, joyous, cyclical image,
“Nataraja” -“Lord of the Dance”
Brahma - Creator of the universe
Vishnu - Preserver
Shiva - The Destroyer
Harappa
Northern part of India
“Nude Male” ca. 2300-1750
Polykleitos “Spear Carrier” 450 - 440 BCE
Civilization declines and replaced by village life - production of script, seals, sculptures declines and almost ends. Apparently however some of the religious foundations remain.
Non-Western
The term “Non-Western” implies a negative connotation. Though not intentional it does speak to a “lack” of scholarship on the subject.
Western is the Americas, and Europe
Ideas about Progress
abstraction, naturalism is no longer the guiding principle for artists. Attitudes about sexuality have changed. Also in academia multiculturalism in now in vogue.
Diversity and Continuity
Diversity:
Culture is ancient
20 different languages
Tropical jungles in the south, mountain north, desert west
Continuity:
Official and national language is Hindi but English is linguistic link between the various regions / communities.
Indus Valley Civilization
Region that is now Pakistan
India. Similar to Ancient Mesopotamian cultures
Some of Religious and cultural practices would be passed on.
Mohenjo-daro
ca. 2600 BCE -Monumental architecture / mud-brick houses / sewage systems / ceramics
Artificial substructures raised buildings above plains demonstrating attempt to account for seasonal flooding
The cities housed a variety of public buildings
“Great Bath”
Multiple centers dedicated to craft making: Ceramics, terracotta sculpture, bead making, shell carving, etc.
Mohenjo-Daro seals were square with knob and often carved with raised image so impression is indented into clay .
“Great Bath”
Functioned as a public recreational bathing facility but also ritual bathing. One of world’s first sophisticated water supply systems
o Surrounding it were porticoes and rooms with a stairway leading to an upper level
Polykleitos “Spear Carrier” 450 - 440 BCE
Version of the ideal human form but also expression of the idea of duality which is a reflection of the human condition.
Poised between tension and relaxation - metaphor for belief humans should strive to achieve balance.
Understanding the relationship of muscles to skeleton
“Unicorn Seal”(Mold) - Mohenjo-Daro ca. 2300 BCE
Likely attached to bales of merchandise to identify individuals, families, traders. Was to signify ownership.
Yoga
Usage today is to practice controlling the body and relaxing the mind to “YOKE” or unite with the divine universal forces. Suggests this kind of practice had long history
“Prana”
Filled with living breath, breathing control used in yoga
Tribhanga
(three bends pose): body bends at neck, waist, knee
Brahmin
Priest
Stupa
Memorial ground
meant as aniconic representation of Buddha himself AND his enlightenment / Nirvana. His imminent “reality” (his relics) AND his higher transcendental actuality.
Bodhisattva
On the brink of enlightenment, but delay in order to help others get there
depicted in rich jewelry, dressed elaborately
“Buddha of the future”
Trefoil
In Sumerian art trefoil designs are found on sacred objects suggesting this figure is a priest or king or both.
Ø Three leaf clover like
The middle path
Shuns extreme penance and sensual indulgence. Must live in a the world.
Samsara
Coming into existence
Karma
Actions of life
Moksha
Hindu- liberation