HUM 100 Cultures and Artifacts Worksheet
Perspectives in the Humanities (Southern New Hampshire University)
HUM 100 Cultures and Artifacts Worksheet
Complete this template by replacing the bracketed text with the relevant information.
Part 1
1. In the first column, list three cultures you are a part of or that you identify strongly with, and
rank them from most to least significant in your life. These can be national, ethnic, religious,
regional, or local, and they can include subcultures or groups related to your personal
interests.
2. In the second column, identify one representative object for each of the cultures you
identify with on your list.
3. In a few words, explain how the cultural object reflects the culture in which it exists.
Consider which aspects of culture have relevance for each object: politics, history, religion,
social perceptions, technology, media, education, and so on.
Culture/Subculture Object Influence of Culture on the Object
Judaism Tallit The tallitot is worn as a prayer
shawl and reverence for God
during prayer
Greek Life Member Pin The member pin is a symbol of
Greek life’s history, the values and
culture that each member carries.
Cosmetology Shears Shears are a symbol of every
hairstyle that has been done. You
can create any hairstyle with
shears and it connects you with
the
history of cosmetology.
Part 2
To complete the second table, select three reasons for creating an artifact from the resources
provided, or provide your own reasons.
1. In the first column, state the reason for creating an artifact.
4. In the second column, provide an example of an artifact that could have been created for
the reason presented.
5. In the third column, state whether the artifact was created by an individual or a group,
and provide the name(s) of the creator(s).
Reason Example of Artifact Creator
Commemorate Mona Lisa Painting Leonardo da Vinci
Religion David Statue Agostino di Duccio and
Michelangelo
Create Art A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La
Grande Jatte
Georges Seurat
Select one of the artifacts and answer one of the following questions in one to two paragraphs:
•Do you believe the creator was successful in achieving their purpose? Why or why not?
I believe that Leonardo da Vinci was successful in achieving the purpose of The Mona Lisa
painting. The whole purpose of the Mona Lisa painting was to celebrate the birth of
Francesco del Giocondo and his wifes second son. The sitter of the Mona Lisa was Lisa
Gherardini del Giocondo, Francesco del Giocondos wife. This painting was to
commemorate a special time in the families life.
•How do think the artifacts and the culture in which they were created influenced each
other? Explain.
[Insert your one- to two-paragraph response.]
