REVIEW_Ancient S + SE Asia Flashcards
What is this called? (HINT: It is not a specific building but an architectural feature of most Hindu and Buddhist temples) And what are two things it is made of? *
Stupa. Made of dirt and stone
What is a ritual that followers of these faiths perform with the architectural feature above? (What do they physically do and what does it symbolize?) *
People walk around the stupa (Circumambulation). Walking around the stupa, the faithful perform a sacred meditational ritual Evocative of the endless cycle of rebirth.
What is this a receptacle for? (Name two things) *
Relics and/or graves
What are the three main deities of Hinduism? *
Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva
What is the name of the all-inclusive, universal, and eternal spiritual reality that extends to all temporal and divine beings? *
Brahman
How did the first people of this faith come up with the visualization of their gods? *
Through meditation
What is this called? *
SUBJECT: Vishnu Anantasayana panel (Relief of Vishnu Sleeping)
Where is this piece located? * (Vishnu Anantasayana panel)
Located: Deogarh
Explain the style and formal qualities of this piece - (Hint: one of them is scale. Use the word hierarchy) *
Style and formal qualities: In terms of scale, the figure of Vishnu is larger than all other figures (similar to the hierarchy of figures seen in ancient Egyptian art). There are also sections divided by lines and patterns in the borders. Movement: The wave and the figures - especially those below Shiva - are in movement while Shiva is laying still.
Which Hindu god is featured in this piece? *
Hindu god: Vishnu
The central figure is floating on what? HINT: the _____ of _____) *
The waters of oblivion
What is this called? *
SUBJECT: Descent of the Ganges or Arjuna’s Penance
Where is this located? *
Located: Mahabalipuram, Kancheepuram district, Tamil Nadu. (SouthEast India)
Coast of the Bay of Bengal
What is one of the stories depicted in this piece? And name one of the Hindu gods that is featured in this piece. *
Decent of the Ganges - how the gods allowed the Ganges to descend from the heavens to reward a sage named Bhagiratha, who had practiced many years of spiritual devotion.
What ritual is practiced each year (during some holidays) on this piece? *
Ritual practiced here: During certain holidays, water is poured on the relief to represent the story behind this unique structure.
What is this called? *
SUBJECT: Nataraja
Explain the movement and balance of this piece - *
Movement and balance of this piece: Balance: While overall the piece appears balanced, especially in the symmetrical headdress and the ring surrounding the piece, it does put more emphasis on its left side because three of its four arms are focused on that side and the right leg is raised and extended to the left side (from the POV of the photo)
Which Hindu god is featured in this piece? What is this god known for (what is their major role)? and What is this god doing in this piece? *
Which Hindu god: Shiva. What is this god known for: Destroyer of the Universe. What are they doing in this piece: Shiva is dancing within a flaming halo that represents the universe (mass, time and space whose endless cycle of destruction and recreation moves to the beat of Shiva’s drum and the rhythm of his steps).
This figure is standing on something. What is it? (EXTRA POINT if you can remember the sculpture I compared this to (someone stepping on someone’s head). *
Standing on top of: the demon Apasmara Purusha. Compared to David and Goliath by Donatello. David stands on Goliath’s head after defeating him with his slingshot.
What is the function of this piece? *
Function: This piece was intended to be mobile which is why it is of moderate size and has a sizable circular base as these make it ideal for lifting and hoisting onto a shoulder. Hindu devotees carried these statues in processional parades as priests trailed behind chanting prayers and bestowing blessings on those gathered for this event
What did the famous French sculptor Rodin say about this piece? *
Rodin said: the “perfect expression of rhythmic movement in the world.”