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The Cylinder Seals from the tomb of Queen Puabi displays an example of social hierarchy. The seal depicts Puabi with others having a feast while being fanned by servants. This cylinder shows the lifestyle differences between the Queen and her servants. Another artifact displaying social ranking is the Stele of Naram-Sin. The Akkadian ruler is shown next to fallen enemies, with his soldiers underneath him. The helmet that Naram-Sin wears represents the symbol of a god, making himself godlike over his soldiers.
To Elchambers
Your example, the Warka Vase is a great example depicting social hierarchy. Showing the rulers at the same social rank as gods gave more power to influence others. The vase gives a good representation of how humans have placed themselves into groups or rank.To Jessi Willeto
I thought you mentioning how they liken themselves to gods was a great idea. Hammurabi’s Code was the perfect example because he was depicted consulting with a god. Holding ones self to the status of god makes it easier to hold power and show strength.The growth of civilizations came the need for social ranking. This helped cultures organize themselves to have a stable economy. Stone was often used to create pieces displaying a story, or recording laws and resources. For example, Darius I of the Persian Empire built Persepolis that displayed his power over the natural world. He was able to bring specialist from all over the Persian Empire to construct the capital. With most power someone will try to take it, resulting in destruction. Artifacts such as “Assurbanipal and his Queen in the Garden’depicted a victory. Assurbanipal and his Queen are raised to show power, displaying weapons at the kings side. Also to the left showed the head of a enemy hanging in a tree.
To Laura Barber
Good idea mentioning the theories about what prehistoric pieces mean. Without written text, we have no knowledge what they were used for. But without much doubt we can assume that there’s meaning. Great statements and references.To aastogsdill
I agree with your statement of how images and sculptures were most likely used as teaching tools. Kinship was very important in prehistoric time, making it necessary to pass along knowledge such as reproduction, hunting, and eventually identity. Great job.There is a wide range of what role images and carvings played in prehistoric people’s lives. The creations could be meant as a teaching tool, or possibly a story. “The Woman of Willendorf’ is believed to be a generic representation of women. “The Woman from Dolni Vestonice’ is another piece with generalized facial features. I believe that when populations grew in prehistoric times it caused a need for humans to identify and understand our surroundings. When small bands and tribes started interacting, they possibly used symbols to identify themselves.
To aastogsdill
I thought you separating present-day words from the past was a great idea. It reminds ourselves that todays meaning of abstract is different. I also agree with your comments about how each piece had a purpose. Materials and time were not a luxury in the past. Making it almost certain that what they were making was important. Great job!I believe that prehistoric imagery is abstract to present day people. But as for prehistoric imagery being abstract in its creation, I do not believe so. First we don’t know if the individual’s intentions were to paint the piece to be abstract. “The Man and Woman of Cernavoda’ is a great example. Without the knowledge of the creator, we do not know if it’s meant to be perceived that way. Art has become complex over time, but the meaning put into art has always stayed the same. Whether it’s meant to share a depiction, story, culture, creativity, or emotion.
To Laura Barber
I definitely agree with your view on what abstract is and how pre-historic art/imagery differ in meanings. Abstract is usually meant to be applied to the creation. Also with no evidence to what the individual was thinking we can’t assume that was their intention. Your example of “The Venus of Willendorf” and “Venus of Dolni Vestonice” was well chosen. Great ideas!To mmay17
I don’t know if you remember me but we used to work at the greenhouse together. Its nice to hear you are doing well since we’ve last seen each other. I’m glad you stuck with art, your work is great. I hope your doing well and good luck in class!
I had troubles with audio, so if anyone is can’t hear it let me know.
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/19N-bCDMaAf3n_CPwJwhd8v670uBR8pxzxhnmwBu7I6c/edit?usp=sharingTo mbsimington
Nice to meet you! I also have an interest in linguistics. What are some of your favorite languages? Your pets are also adorable, how old are they? I hope you enjoy the class and good luck as well.To dmriley3
I agree with what you said about the first definition. There are many different aspects and variations in art and can’t be described easily. As for the second definition I don’t believe art necessarily needs skill to create it. A picture drawn by a child is art but doesn’t have skill. Your last comment of what benefits we get out of the history of art I think is accurate. It can give us perspective on how a individual sees the world. Overall great ideas and good luck in class!Part 1:
When searching “What is Art?’ I was given a few examples. “The expression or application of human creative skill and imagination’ seemed to be simplified definition to me. Art can be made with emotions; someone doesn’t need to be skilled to create art. “Subjects of study primarily concerned with the processes and products of human creativity and social life, such as languages, literature, and history.’ gives a more complex example of what is art. Arts meaning changes through languages, but the idea of art is found in every language.
Part 2:
The definition I found of Art History says, “Art history is the study of objects of art in their historical development and stylistic contexts, i.e. genre, design, format, and style’ I believe one of the main motivations in why we study the history of art is to make a connection with our past. Different styles of art can help distinguish people and where they came from. Learning about the history of art helps us understand the individuals who created the piece. Giving insight to beliefs, emotions, and thoughts through style and techniques.
