Arts and Ideas ( Twice)

Discussion 1

 What do you believe was the most likely purpose of the small female figurines? Who produced these art works? Why weren’t images of males depicted? While there are no wrong answers, please give this some thought based on what you have learned in your readings.

Discussion 2

Can the extravagance and costs, both of currency and lives, be justified in the opulent architecture commissioned by “divinely empowered” individuals of ancient cultures? Name a comparable example from today’s society. 

Discussion 3

Study the figural images and canons of Egyptian art closely in this chapter. What do you believe was the ethnicity of the Ancient Egyptians? Why?

Remember that ethnicity is more than skin color; it involves the cultural identity of a group of people. Keep in mind the geography, religion, culture, and historical period in which this art was produced. What do you see in the artistic conventions that support your position?

Discussion 4

After reviewing the websites listed in this week’s activities, which location (South China Sea, Santorini/Thera, or Cuba) do you feel is the best candidate for “The Lost City of Atlantis?” Give three reasons to support your choice.

Discussion 5

 Based on the monuments depicted in our text (chapters 6 & 7), how would you characterize these societies – peaceful or war centered? Give an example of how we honor war and peace today. How would future scholars view our society based on our monuments?

Discussion 6

Citing images from the corresponding chapter, how is a spiritual being shown in art? What symbols are used to convey divinity?

Discussion 7

How were works of art utilized in different cultures’ burial rituals? Why? Since we are near the end of class, my intention is for this thread to be comprehensive. Feel free to use examples from any of the chapters we have covered.

Discussion 8

Now that we're at the end of class, I hope you realize how much art and history are intertwined and the benefits that we can gain from its study. Decide which ancient culture was the most interesting to you and why, and then post a related website (not currently used in the class) that provides good information about your chosen culture. Please post your response by midnight Wednesday.  No comment to classmate is required.