Sculpture Beyond European Artistic Traditions - AP Art History
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In the African sculptural tradition, what is the purpose of scarification?
In the African sculptural tradition, what is the purpose of scarification?
Scarification refers to the process of scarring the skin in patterns by cutting it with a knife. After the cut heals, a raised image is created, and these images are painted. In African sculpture, scarification appears on figures to imitate the system used to differentiate between different tribes.
Scarification refers to the process of scarring the skin in patterns by cutting it with a knife. After the cut heals, a raised image is created, and these images are painted. In African sculpture, scarification appears on figures to imitate the system used to differentiate between different tribes.
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Aesthetically speaking, what characteristics most consistently attribute themselves to the majority of the body of work comprising the ancient Egyptian figure?
Aesthetically speaking, what characteristics most consistently attribute themselves to the majority of the body of work comprising the ancient Egyptian figure?
Rigidity of pose and contradictory perspectives on the human figure are consistent features of most Egyptian, and ancient, figure representation throughout all Egyptian Kingdoms and Dynasties. Contrapossto figures, while present, are likely the result of the influence of foreign artisans and conquerors. Desert aesthetics were matched by depictions of the oasis created by the Holy Nile, and representations of the lower classes were secondary to that of ruling classes. Monolithic constructions, though often the most famous of Egyptian art, namely the pyramids, cannot be said to characterize the totality of Egyptian art, which represents centuries of diverse arrays of styles, mediums, and materials. This question helps students to differentiate between what is a common trope across a civilization's art history versus what pop culture associates with it, or with periods within it. Most importantly, the question focuses specifically on the Egyptian figure. Though the Great Pyramids and Egyptian art are synonymous, the student must focus on what specifically is being asked by the question.
Rigidity of pose and contradictory perspectives on the human figure are consistent features of most Egyptian, and ancient, figure representation throughout all Egyptian Kingdoms and Dynasties. Contrapossto figures, while present, are likely the result of the influence of foreign artisans and conquerors. Desert aesthetics were matched by depictions of the oasis created by the Holy Nile, and representations of the lower classes were secondary to that of ruling classes. Monolithic constructions, though often the most famous of Egyptian art, namely the pyramids, cannot be said to characterize the totality of Egyptian art, which represents centuries of diverse arrays of styles, mediums, and materials. This question helps students to differentiate between what is a common trope across a civilization's art history versus what pop culture associates with it, or with periods within it. Most importantly, the question focuses specifically on the Egyptian figure. Though the Great Pyramids and Egyptian art are synonymous, the student must focus on what specifically is being asked by the question.
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In Yoruba art, the most important body part portrayed in statuary is the __________.
In Yoruba art, the most important body part portrayed in statuary is the __________.
The Yoruba culture of Southern Africa is one of the key artistic hubs of the region, and produces remarkable works in sculpture, jewelry, and masks. One chief feature is the usual focus on the head, which the Yoruba traditionally believe is the home of the entirety of the person. This belief is best reflected in Yoruba busts, which do not even feature necks or shoulders, only the head itself.
The Yoruba culture of Southern Africa is one of the key artistic hubs of the region, and produces remarkable works in sculpture, jewelry, and masks. One chief feature is the usual focus on the head, which the Yoruba traditionally believe is the home of the entirety of the person. This belief is best reflected in Yoruba busts, which do not even feature necks or shoulders, only the head itself.
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Traditional African masks typically portray all of the following EXCEPT __________.
Traditional African masks typically portray all of the following EXCEPT __________.
African masks are one of the chief examples of sub-Saharan artwork and are traditionally used in various African religious ceremonies. These ceremonies reflect traditional religious beliefs, which are usually based on spirit animism and ancestor worship; therefore, it is thought that the masks often allow the actors to take on something more powerful than themselves, including animals, ancestors, and various kinds of spirits.
African masks are one of the chief examples of sub-Saharan artwork and are traditionally used in various African religious ceremonies. These ceremonies reflect traditional religious beliefs, which are usually based on spirit animism and ancestor worship; therefore, it is thought that the masks often allow the actors to take on something more powerful than themselves, including animals, ancestors, and various kinds of spirits.
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All of the following statements are true, in general, of the masquerade arts in Africa except _____________.
All of the following statements are true, in general, of the masquerade arts in Africa except _____________.
African masquerade arts have been crucially important, particularly before the advent of colonialism. They function to serve many of the societies' governmental methods, and they serve to express cultural, dramatic, and artistic purposes.
African masquerade arts have been crucially important, particularly before the advent of colonialism. They function to serve many of the societies' governmental methods, and they serve to express cultural, dramatic, and artistic purposes.
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Polytheism is a basic consistency in Egyptian art and architecture. What Egyptian pharaoh changed the official state religion to a monotheistic one, spawning a 17 year anomaly of art dedicated to Aten, the sole deity in ancient Egypt?
Polytheism is a basic consistency in Egyptian art and architecture. What Egyptian pharaoh changed the official state religion to a monotheistic one, spawning a 17 year anomaly of art dedicated to Aten, the sole deity in ancient Egypt?
During his 17 year reign, Amenhotep IV forbade the worship of any god with the exception of Aten, the power light embodied by the sun disk. This brief period represents a radical departure from what typically comprised Egyptian religion, which was a consistent cornerstone of ancient Egyptian art. An example of this is "Akhenaton Presenting a Duck to Aten."
During his 17 year reign, Amenhotep IV forbade the worship of any god with the exception of Aten, the power light embodied by the sun disk. This brief period represents a radical departure from what typically comprised Egyptian religion, which was a consistent cornerstone of ancient Egyptian art. An example of this is "Akhenaton Presenting a Duck to Aten."
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Which of the following is generally true about African sculpture?
Which of the following is generally true about African sculpture?
Most African sculpture fits a tribal religious background, often depicting subjects that embody ancestors, spirits, or gods. Carved out of wood and stone, the statues were generally small enough to be relatively portable. These statues were usually human figures, but somewhat distorted in certain body parts, especially in the head and sexual characteristics.
Most African sculpture fits a tribal religious background, often depicting subjects that embody ancestors, spirits, or gods. Carved out of wood and stone, the statues were generally small enough to be relatively portable. These statues were usually human figures, but somewhat distorted in certain body parts, especially in the head and sexual characteristics.
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Pre-Columbian art refers to the artistic endeavors of the indigenous populations of which areas prior to the mid-sixteenth century?
Pre-Columbian art refers to the artistic endeavors of the indigenous populations of which areas prior to the mid-sixteenth century?
The term "Pre-Columbian" refers to a time before European colonization of the Americas. The term can be deconstructed as "Before Columbus," as Christopher Columbus' arrival to the Americas is seen as the beginning of European influence in what was then known as the "new world."
The term "Pre-Columbian" refers to a time before European colonization of the Americas. The term can be deconstructed as "Before Columbus," as Christopher Columbus' arrival to the Americas is seen as the beginning of European influence in what was then known as the "new world."
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Art and architecture from which Mesoamerican civilization is arguably the most well known and studied, its creators having inhabited Mexico during the late postclassic period of the Pre-Columbian era, when the European colonization of the Americas began?
Art and architecture from which Mesoamerican civilization is arguably the most well known and studied, its creators having inhabited Mexico during the late postclassic period of the Pre-Columbian era, when the European colonization of the Americas began?
The Aztecs occupied a large portion of central Mexico and Mesoamerica from the fourteenth to the sixteenth century. They were the last surviving major civilization of the Mesoamerica by the time that Spanish sailors invaded the area. Much is known about their art and culture, as they were (historically-speaking) very recently conquered by Spain. Although Spain did destroy a very large amount of their artwork and culture as part of their takeover of Latin America, much remains, and was later studied.
The Aztecs occupied a large portion of central Mexico and Mesoamerica from the fourteenth to the sixteenth century. They were the last surviving major civilization of the Mesoamerica by the time that Spanish sailors invaded the area. Much is known about their art and culture, as they were (historically-speaking) very recently conquered by Spain. Although Spain did destroy a very large amount of their artwork and culture as part of their takeover of Latin America, much remains, and was later studied.
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The most well known type of Olmec art is __________.
The most well known type of Olmec art is __________.
The Olmec civilization dominated what is now Southern Mexico from roughly 1500 BCE to 400 BCE, laying the groundwork for the later civilizations of the Maya and Aztec. The most familiar and most impressive part of their civilization that has survived are basalt sculptures of heads that weigh between 6 and 50 tons, and which took extraordinary coordination to have the stones moved and sculpted into their proper forms.
The Olmec civilization dominated what is now Southern Mexico from roughly 1500 BCE to 400 BCE, laying the groundwork for the later civilizations of the Maya and Aztec. The most familiar and most impressive part of their civilization that has survived are basalt sculptures of heads that weigh between 6 and 50 tons, and which took extraordinary coordination to have the stones moved and sculpted into their proper forms.
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Arguably the most recognizable piece of artwork from Mesoamerica is the Aztec __________. This stone was carved in the mid-fifteenth century and presents different worlds of the sun according to Aztec mythology. This stone was once a part of the Templo Mayor of Tenochtitlan.
Arguably the most recognizable piece of artwork from Mesoamerica is the Aztec __________. This stone was carved in the mid-fifteenth century and presents different worlds of the sun according to Aztec mythology. This stone was once a part of the Templo Mayor of Tenochtitlan.
The Aztec Sun Stone (also known as the Aztec Calendar Stone) is an elaborately carved stone disk that represents a link between humanity and the divine through the current ruler of the Aztec Empire at the time of its carving. It is not a working calendar. It may also have at some point been anointed with blood sacrifices to please the gods the Aztecs believed in.
The Aztec Sun Stone (also known as the Aztec Calendar Stone) is an elaborately carved stone disk that represents a link between humanity and the divine through the current ruler of the Aztec Empire at the time of its carving. It is not a working calendar. It may also have at some point been anointed with blood sacrifices to please the gods the Aztecs believed in.
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These stone monuments left behind by the Toltec civilization, which occupied what is now Hidalgo, Mexico, are an example of which type of monument frequently found in Pre-Columbian architecture and sculpture?
These stone monuments left behind by the Toltec civilization, which occupied what is now Hidalgo, Mexico, are an example of which type of monument frequently found in Pre-Columbian architecture and sculpture?
Atlantean figures have been found in various different areas of pre-Columbian Mesoamerica, most notably in Hidalgo, Mexico, which was previously occupied by the Toltecs. Their purpose is generally as support pillars. Atlantean refers to the Titan god Atlas, from Ancient Greek mythology, who was doomed to hold up the heavens for all eternity. They are generally carved to represent fierce, bellicose men. When the Aztecs found these pillars after the Toltecs abandoned their city, they imagined that the pillars represented their own gods, and considered the city divine.
Image accessed at: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Telamones\_Tula.jpg
Photograph by Luidger
Atlantean figures have been found in various different areas of pre-Columbian Mesoamerica, most notably in Hidalgo, Mexico, which was previously occupied by the Toltecs. Their purpose is generally as support pillars. Atlantean refers to the Titan god Atlas, from Ancient Greek mythology, who was doomed to hold up the heavens for all eternity. They are generally carved to represent fierce, bellicose men. When the Aztecs found these pillars after the Toltecs abandoned their city, they imagined that the pillars represented their own gods, and considered the city divine.
Image accessed at: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Telamones\_Tula.jpg
Photograph by Luidger
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The Olmec were the first major civilization of Mesoamerica and the Pre-Columbian era, flourishing from about 1500 BCE to 400 BCE.
The Olmec are perhaps most famous for which unique style of sculpture, made from volcanic rock?
The Olmec were the first major civilization of Mesoamerica and the Pre-Columbian era, flourishing from about 1500 BCE to 400 BCE.
The Olmec are perhaps most famous for which unique style of sculpture, made from volcanic rock?
Very little is left from the Olmec civilization, and historians know very little about them as a whole, aside from pieces of evidence that point to certain advancements or characteristics such as being the first civilization in the Western Hemisphere to develop a writing system. The Olmec are recognized for their giant sculptures of heads made from volcanic rock, called the Olmec Heads. These heads have different characteristics and have been found all around the region where the Olmec lived. It can only be speculated how they moved such huge pieces of volcanic rock. Although the Olmec made other types of sculptures, relatively few of them have been found.
Very little is left from the Olmec civilization, and historians know very little about them as a whole, aside from pieces of evidence that point to certain advancements or characteristics such as being the first civilization in the Western Hemisphere to develop a writing system. The Olmec are recognized for their giant sculptures of heads made from volcanic rock, called the Olmec Heads. These heads have different characteristics and have been found all around the region where the Olmec lived. It can only be speculated how they moved such huge pieces of volcanic rock. Although the Olmec made other types of sculptures, relatively few of them have been found.
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Large, elongated stone slabs covered in intricate carvings are typical of the Classic Period of Mesoamerican art. These sculptures, popularized by the Ancient Mayans, are known as __________.
Large, elongated stone slabs covered in intricate carvings are typical of the Classic Period of Mesoamerican art. These sculptures, popularized by the Ancient Mayans, are known as __________.
Large, elongated Mayan stone slabs covered in intricate carvings are known as "stelas." They often depicted the ruler of the city they were located in, sometimes disguised as a god. Very few have been preserved.
Large, elongated Mayan stone slabs covered in intricate carvings are known as "stelas." They often depicted the ruler of the city they were located in, sometimes disguised as a god. Very few have been preserved.
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__________ are large Mayan sculptures that consist of one large stone carved into the shape of animals or living creatures and covered in intricate relief sculpture.
__________ are large Mayan sculptures that consist of one large stone carved into the shape of animals or living creatures and covered in intricate relief sculpture.
Zoomorphs are large stones carved to resemble animals by the Mayans. They were often covered in relief sculptures. Zoomorphs may have been used as altars.
Zoomorphs are large stones carved to resemble animals by the Mayans. They were often covered in relief sculptures. Zoomorphs may have been used as altars.
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The structure is made out of which of the following materials?
The structure is made out of which of the following materials?
Sandstone was one of the most easily obtainable building materials in the region and was often employed in works commissioned by Ashoka.
Image: Great Stupa at Sanchi commissioned by Emperor Ashoka, c. 300 BCE–100 CE. From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanchi#/media/File:Sanchi\_Stupa\_from\_Eastern\_gate,\_Madhya\_Pradesh.jpg.
Sandstone was one of the most easily obtainable building materials in the region and was often employed in works commissioned by Ashoka.
Image: Great Stupa at Sanchi commissioned by Emperor Ashoka, c. 300 BCE–100 CE. From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanchi#/media/File:Sanchi\_Stupa\_from\_Eastern\_gate,\_Madhya\_Pradesh.jpg.
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Which is NOT true of the Shiva Nataraja bronze sculptures from the Chola Dynasty?
Which is NOT true of the Shiva Nataraja bronze sculptures from the Chola Dynasty?
Shiva is depicted asymmetrically. Three hands gesture to his right while one hand gestures to his left. In addition, his left leg is raised to his right while his other leg is rooted firmly to the ground. Shiva's front left hand, which points to his raised left foot, signifies refuge for the troubled soul.
Shiva is depicted asymmetrically. Three hands gesture to his right while one hand gestures to his left. In addition, his left leg is raised to his right while his other leg is rooted firmly to the ground. Shiva's front left hand, which points to his raised left foot, signifies refuge for the troubled soul.
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Which other architectural element does The Gates bear resemblance to?
Which other architectural element does The Gates bear resemblance to?
The Gates bears a strong resemblance to Japanese Torii gates. They are often found at the entrance to Shinto shrines, and traditionally Japanese businessmen would buy them to pay tribute to the god Inari (the god of prosperity).
Image accessed through Wikipedia Media Commons: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The\_Gates#/media/File:FushimiInariTorii.jpg
Image accessed through Wikipedia Media Commons: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The\_Gates#/media/File:Gates\_a.jpg
The Gates bears a strong resemblance to Japanese Torii gates. They are often found at the entrance to Shinto shrines, and traditionally Japanese businessmen would buy them to pay tribute to the god Inari (the god of prosperity).
Image accessed through Wikipedia Media Commons: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The\_Gates#/media/File:FushimiInariTorii.jpg
Image accessed through Wikipedia Media Commons: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The\_Gates#/media/File:Gates\_a.jpg
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In Buddhist statuary, the lotus position depicts the Buddha __________.
In Buddhist statuary, the lotus position depicts the Buddha __________.
Buddhism spread across Asia from the beginning of the first century CE to 500 CE; this resulted in the creation of a vast array of Buddhist art in a variety of countries. This art still had some unified themes, particularly in depictions of the Buddha, which could demonstrate important points to new believers. This includes the Buddha sitting in the lotus position, a cross-legged pose that is the chief position for Buddhist meditation and contemplative practices.
Buddhism spread across Asia from the beginning of the first century CE to 500 CE; this resulted in the creation of a vast array of Buddhist art in a variety of countries. This art still had some unified themes, particularly in depictions of the Buddha, which could demonstrate important points to new believers. This includes the Buddha sitting in the lotus position, a cross-legged pose that is the chief position for Buddhist meditation and contemplative practices.
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In Hindu sculpture, a vahana refers to a deity's __________.
In Hindu sculpture, a vahana refers to a deity's __________.
In Hindu mythology, every deity has a vahana, or animal mount. This has a number of purposes, ranging from highlighting certain attributes of a deity to creating different kinds of symbology from a plain depiction of the deity. Notable vahanas include Vishnu's eagle, Ganesha's mouse, and Laksmi's elephant.
In Hindu mythology, every deity has a vahana, or animal mount. This has a number of purposes, ranging from highlighting certain attributes of a deity to creating different kinds of symbology from a plain depiction of the deity. Notable vahanas include Vishnu's eagle, Ganesha's mouse, and Laksmi's elephant.
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