Lampung boat symbolism
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
In Indonesia, traditional boat symbolism was predominantly found in areas where Hindu-Buddhism, Islam, and Christianity had not made their appearance or had arrived relatively late, as was the case in the Moluccas. On many of the smaller islands of Maluku Tenggara, such as Kai, Tanimbar, and Babar, this symbolism has been well documented, and it consistently appears to have functioned in two ways.
Ascending the papadon in Lampung Culture
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
In the 19th century, Lampung life mainly revolved around attaining as high a social status as possible. All other matters were set aside in favor of the struggle for prestige, which culminated in the ascension to the papadon for the most successful men. Each rung of the social ladder had its own titles and privileges.
Dayak Ceremonial Objects: Then and Now
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The open inner veranda that spanned the length of a traditional Iban Dayak longhouse (ruai) was a gathering place for neighbors and a setting for many social activities. It was also an area of creative interaction or friendly competition which, according to such ethnographers as Derek Freeman and Michael Heppell, could at times reflect an almost palpable tension.
Dayak Arts: Creations for purpose and pleasure
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The languages of Dayak peoples have no traditional words for art or the making of art. Dayak artists viewed objects in perhaps a more unified sense, in which art and craft were seen as one and the same. Dayak artists created inspired carvings, weavings, plaited fine mats and baskets, decorated bark cloth and beaded garments, crafted jewelry, and a wide array of ornaments.
Gandharan Art
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The region of Gandhara (an area that now includes Afghanistan, Pakistan, and northern India) appears in writings dating from the time of the Achaemenid Persian empire (550-330 BCE). In one, the emperor Darius I claimed possession of Gandhara as the most easterly territory of the empire.
Diquís
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Diquís culture flourished on Costa Rica's southern Pacific coast from 700 to 1530 CE.
Chiriquí
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Diquís art styles have much in common with those of the adjacent Chiriquí region of northwestern Panama. Archaeologists often treat them together as the Greater Chiriquí subarea.
Adapted from
- Bonnie Pitman, ed., "Pendant with two frogs (1976.W.292), Pendant bell depicting a turtle (1976.W.301), Pendant depicting a batlike mask (1976.W.237)," in Dallas Museu
Islam
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The religion of Islam originated in the 7th century in the Arabian peninsula. Islam was founded by an historic individual, the Prophet Muhammad (c. 570-632 CE). The message of Muhammad, considered God's last prophet, centered on his belief in the one true God, Allah. Muhammad's teachings were compiled in the Quran shortly after his death. Muslims acknowledge the Jewish Torah and the Christian Gospels, but believe that Islam is the perfection of the religion that was first revealed to Abraham.
The Influence of India in Southeast Asia: Java and Bali
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The islands of Java and Bali in Indonesia absorbed religious and artistic influences from India. Merchants and missionaries brought Indian culture to this area from the 3rd century CE. onward. The arts of the kingdoms of central and eastern Java between the 8th and early 16th centuries represent a complex mixture of native tastes and the influence of both Buddhist and Hindu art from India.
The Influence of India in Southeast Asia: Thailand
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The many peoples of what is known today as Thailand began as worshippers of nature and natural forces, with a way of life based on farming. Thai architecture originated in wood, bamboo, and tile, although stone buildings later were created on Khmer models.