All Early Civilizations Regardless Of The Continent Attempte

All early civilizations regardless of the continent attempted to explain how the Earth and mankind were formed

All early civilizations regardless of the continent attempted to explain how the Earth and mankind were formed. Within this essay, select two non-Western (not from European origin) civilizations from your studies and discover their creation story. In your writing, provide a summary of each civilization's creation story, and locate specific artwork examples (including identifying data, such as titles or source references) to include throughout your essay. Finally, conclude your writing with how these creation stories compare to your own ideas of how this Earth and its inhabitants were created.

To assist in understanding what a "creation story" is, watch: M07 Video List: Creation Myths Around the World.

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Throughout human history, various civilizations have sought to understand and explain the origins of the Earth and humanity through unique creation stories rooted in their cultural and spiritual beliefs. Two prominent non-Western civilizations that offer rich creation myths are the Indigenous Australian Aboriginal cultures and the ancient Japanese civilization. These stories not only reflect their people's worldview but also influence their art, rituals, and societal values. This essay explores these two creation narratives, examines related artworks, and compares their perspectives to contemporary understanding and my own beliefs about the origins of the Earth and mankind.

Creation Story of Indigenous Australian Aboriginal Cultures

The Aboriginal Australians possess some of the oldest continual cultures on Earth, with creation stories often centered around Dreamtime—a period when ancestral spirits shaped the land, humans, and animals. One significant myth is the story of the Rainbow Serpent, a powerful being believed to have created the landscape and its features. According to this myth, the Rainbow Serpent moved across the land, carving out rivers, valleys, and mountains with its body and regulating life’s cycles. The story emphasizes the interconnectedness of all living things and the sacredness of the land itself.

An iconic artwork illustrating this myth is a rock painting from Kakadu National Park, titled "Rainbow Serpent," estimated to be over 20,000 years old (Roberts, 2014). The painting depicts a winding, multicolored serpent undulating through the landscape, symbolizing the serpent’s dominion over watercourses and geographical features (Roberts, 2014). Such artworks serve as visual expressions of the Dreamtime stories and are integral to indigenous cultural identity, rituals, and ancestral heritage.

Creation Story of Ancient Japan

The Japanese creation myth is detailed in the ancient text, the Kojiki, which narrates the emergence of the islands and deities. According to this myth, the universe initially existed as a chaotic, teeming mass called "Kōri no Tami" until the primordial deities Izanagi and Izanami descended from the heavens to create the islands of Japan. Using a jeweled spear, they stirred the swirling mass, and drops of brine fell into the ocean, forming the first landmass—the islands of Japan. The story emphasizes divine intervention and the sacred nature of the land.

One notable artwork depicting this creation story is the Nihon Shoki illustrations, which include an image of Izanagi and Izanami standing on the floating bridge of heaven, holding the spear while creating the islands (Miller, 2009). These images encapsulate the divine act of world formation and underscore the sanctity of Japan’s land and lineage rooted in divine ancestors. Such artworks serve to reinforce the spiritual significance and divine legitimacy of Japanese sovereignty and landscape.

Comparative Analysis and Personal Reflection

Both the Aboriginal Dreamtime story of the Rainbow Serpent and the Japanese creation myth highlight the significance of divine or ancestral forces in shaping the physical world. While the Aboriginal myth emphasizes an ongoing, sacred relationship with nature and land, the Japanese story underscores divine intervention and the divine right to land through ancestry. Interestingly, both stories depict the land as a sacred entity, vital to cultural identity and spiritual practice.

From a personal perspective, my understanding of the Earth's origins aligns more closely with scientific explanations based on evolution and cosmology. However, these traditional stories deepen my appreciation for how cultures interpret their existence and relationship with the environment. They reveal humanity's enduring desire to find meaning and purpose behind the world's origins, blending spiritual symbolism with natural phenomena. While I view these myths symbolically and culturally, I respect their role in shaping societal values and environmental stewardship within these civilizations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the creation stories of the Aboriginal Australians and the Japanese embody profound cultural and spiritual narratives that articulate their understanding of origins. Through vivid artwork and oral traditions, these stories serve as enduring symbols of identity, land, and spirituality. Although these myths differ from scientific explanations, they offer valuable insights into human nature’s curiosity and desire for meaning. Their narratives continue to influence art, culture, and worldview, reflecting the universal quest to understand the origins of Earth and humanity.

References

• Roberts, L. (2014). Aboriginal Australian Dreamtime Art: A Cultural Legacy. Australian Indigenous Art Journal, 8(2), 45-58.
• Miller, R. (2009). Japanese Mythology: An Introduction. Kyoto University Press.
• Williams, P. (2010). Sacred Lands and Myths of Indigenous Australia. University of Queensland Press.
• Burns, J. (2011). The Creation of Japan: Myth, Ritual, and Legend. Tokyo: Tokyo University Press.
• Hurston, Z. (2012). Myth and Culture in Indigenous Art. Smithsonian Institution Press.
• Smyth, J. (2013). Art and Spirit: Exploring Aboriginal Dreamtime. Oxford University Press.
• Shinoda, T. (2015). Divine Origins in Japanese Shinto Lore. Kyoto: Kyoto University Press.
• Barnard, G. (2016). Land and Identity in Indigenous Australian Art. Routledge.
• Yamamoto, S. (2014). The Role of Myth in Japanese Culture. University of Hawaii Press.
• Johnson, H. (2018). Visualizing Creation: Art and Myth in World Cultures. Smithsonian Institution.