The Arts

1
Chapter 16

• The Arts

2
Chapter Questions

• Why is art universal but the role of artist found
  only in modern society?
• How do societies differ in their artistic
  emphases and styles.
• What are some universal functions of the arts?
• What are some of the different ways in which the
  arts express cultural identities?
• How have the global economy and the global
  culture affected the arts of indigenous peoples?

3
Art

• Universal means of expressing the identity of a
  culture.
• Evidence of art appears early in the human fossil
  record.
• There is no known culture without art.

4
Understanding Art in Culture

• In most societies, art is inseparable from other
  activities.
• Separation of art from social behavior is
  characteristic of modern society.
• In non-industrial societies, art is embedded in
  all aspects of culture.

5
Five Types of Arts

• Graphic and plastic arts
• Music
• Dance
• Folklore
• Sports and games

6
Functions of Art

• Communication with and control over nature and
  the supernatural.
• Display of cultural themes.
• Cultural and social integration.
• Express cultural identity and history.

7
Communication With Natural World

• Cave paintings represent the restoration to
  nature of the animals that are killed.
• Ritual art, dedicated to the spirits who protect
  life, lessens danger.
• Dance movements imitating animals are believed to
  exert control over animals.

8
Symbolic Communication

• Symbolic elements in art are culturally specific
• In Western culture, the phrase once upon a time
  is a signal for a fairy tale.
• Totem poles reflect the social hierarchy in their
  societies.

9
Foster Harmony in Society

• The arts make dominant cultural themes visible,
  tangible, and more real.
• The arts give voice to disunity and conflict
  within a society.

10
Express Cultural Identity and History

• In many cultures, the most important artistic
  efforts represent ancestors.
• In Imperial China, the arts were central in
  legitimizing the emperor.

11
Deep Play Balinese Cockfight

• Symbolic contest between male egos.
• Expresses Balinese social hierarchy.