SCULPTURE OF THE WORLD

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SCULPTURE OF THE WORLD

• Africa, China, Japan, India Oceania and Native
  America

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African art

• Religion plays important role in artwork
• Spirits are believed to be everywhere uniting
  humanity and nature
• Artwork is based on tradition not individual
  achievement
• Strong bond unites individuals with their
  ancestors
• The artwork we will view is from Sub-Sahara
  Western
• Africa
• Most work is from the past 100 years because of
  the materials used

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Reliquary ( guardian ) figureUsed to guard
ancestral remains contained in a bark or fiber
boxGeometric design made of wood or metalCongo
19th c.
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Power figuresWhen first used figure is
considered neutral with no specific useEach
client activates powers with nails, objects
through a divinerPowers can be changed when
additions are removed and new ones placed in the
figure.
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ANIMAL MASKSBeaded Elephant mask (left) worn
with entire outfit Firespitter mask depicts
combination of several animals and contains
powers of these animals.Carved from a single
piece of wood because it was believed that the
tree contained a soul and must remain intact.
Both masks are helmet masks to be worn over the
entire head.
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Oceanic ArtArtwork found on the islands of the
Pacific Ocean Common feature is the use of wood
for their 3D objects
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Easter IslandGiven the name by Dutch explorers
that landed on the island on Easter
Sunday.Figures were knocked down by their own
people after change inbeliefsFunction unclear
Figures originally wore hats
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• Male Ancestor Figure
• New Guinea
• Wood colored with earth pigments
• These figures help people remember their
  ancestors whom they worship

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CHINA -Chinas history marked by a series of
dynasties covering over 3 and half millennia.
Early Chinese art expertise was in ceramic
sculpture including the use of the potters wheel.
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Soldiers from Emperor Shih Huang Tis tomb. Over
7000 life size clay figures and horses facing
east in military formation. Originally figures
were painted in vivid colors. Found by a farmer
digging a well.
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Colossal BuddhaFigure was originally in a cave
but the front section crumbled awayCarved from
sandstone and measures 45 feet highDesign is
considered ARCHAIC style for its simplicity
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INDIA-Birthplace of Buddhism, one of the oldest
and largest religions in the world. Buddhist
beliefs are based around self enlightenment,
renouncing material goods and non-violence.
Buddha was a historical figure that lived around
500 B.C.
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Depictions of Buddha in Indian art. Far left
shows early and more naturalist version. Pose
shows Buddha in meditation. Hairdo symbolizes
knowledge. Long earlobes represent life without
materialism.
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Dancing Shiva-God from Hindu religion. Depicts
balance and harmony through opposites. Both
creator and destroyer.
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JAPAN-culture is product of long periods of
isolation. China was important influence on art
and culture. Art is based upon simplicity of form
and design and attention to the beauty of nature.
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Japanese Noh Theatre masks- Masks are worn during
plays without dialogue. The actors use of body
language is key to performance. Masks depict
generic characters such as young girl or old man.
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Samurai- warrior class originally intended to
protect the emperor. Eventually became a
governing class themselves. Armor made from
bamboo, wood, leather, metal. Samurai culture
including dress was restricted with specific
codes relating to class and time periods.
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Native America- artwork based on the native
people of North, Central and South America.
Artwork is based around religious rituals
connected to ancestors and nature. A wide variety
of materials are used depending on culture and
location of the society.
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False Face Mask- Iroquois ( northeastern North
America ). Wood, hair. Used in ceremonies for
healing and cleansing.
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Kachina Dolls- Hopi ( southwest North America ).
Small figures used to teach children history and
religion. Elders dress up as different characters
and act out stories through music and dance.
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Totem Poles- ( northwest North America ). Placed
in front of homes to showcase familys prestige.
Animals symbolized characteristics of the family