Art 329: World Art I - World Cultures Paper Procedure Select
Art 329 World Art I World Cultures Paperprocedureselect One World
Art 329 – World Art I – World Cultures Paper Procedure: Select one world culture to write upon from the list on the next page. These cultures will be discussed or referenced in the course. Find the culture on the Image List to identify its time period. Write an overview covering its main characteristics: period in history, geographical region, major cities or centers, political organization and rule, social organization, main beliefs or religion, occupations, key cultural contributions, influence on other societies, main art and architecture forms, and whether it introduced distinctive or new art styles. Include one representative or famous work of art from the culture, discuss it briefly, and include a photocopy or printout of it. Your overview should emphasize the cultural significance and historical importance rather than just listing facts. Use at least four online sources and consult at least one print source from the library; cite sources thoroughly in a format of your choice. Avoid plagiarism—use your own words and do not use direct quotations. The paper should be three or more pages of text, typed, double-spaced, with 12-point font, 1-inch margins, a cover page, and a “Sources Used” page. Incorporate a photocopy or printout of the selected artwork. All writing must be your own.
Paper For Above instruction
The Indus Valley Civilization, flourishing around 2500 BCE in what is now modern-day Pakistan and northwest India, represents one of the world's earliest urban societies. This culture was characterized by advanced城市 planning, sophisticated drainage systems, and noteworthy craftsmanship in seals, pottery, and figurines. The Indus Valley occupied a vast geographical region, covering parts of present-day Pakistan and northwest India, with major cities like Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro serving as prominent centers of political, social, and economic activity. Politically, the civilization appears to have been organized into city-states or perhaps a loosely connected federation, though their exact political structure remains a mystery due to limited deciphered written records. Social organization was likely stratified, with artisans, merchants, and possibly rulers occupying distinct societal roles, as evidenced by the urban infrastructure and artifact distribution.
Religiously, the people appear to have practiced fertility worship and ancestor veneration, inferred from the figurines and seals depicting mother goddess figures and ritualistic symbols. Their occupation primarily revolved around agriculture, trade, pottery, and metallurgy. Notable for their technological innovations, such as standardized weights and measures, the Indus artisans created distinctive seals with animal motifs and a yet-undeciphered script, reflecting complex societal communication and perhaps governance.
A key contribution of the Indus Valley was their urban planning and drainage systems, which were remarkably advanced for their time and influenced future urban designs. Their art, characterized by intricate seals and sculptures, demonstrates a high level of craftsmanship and aesthetic sensibility. The famous "Dancing Girl" bronze figurine exemplifies their skill in working with metal and their artistic expression focused on naturalistic human forms. This culture significantly impacted subsequent South Asian civilizations and remains a focus of archaeological and historical research for its innovative urbanism and artistry.
References
- Kenoyer, J. M. (1998). Ancient Cities of the Indus Valley. Oxford University Press.
- Possehl, G. L. (2002). The Indus Civilization: A Contemporary Perspective. Rowman Altamira.
- Wheeler, R. E. M. (1968). The Indus Civilization. Cambridge University Press.
- Singh, U. (2011). The Indus Valley: An Archaeological Perspective. National Museum Publications.
- Allchin, F. R. (1995). The Rise of Civilisation in India and Pakistan. Cambridge University Press.