Art around the World
Art is important all around the world. It can be amusing, entertaining, informative and inspiring. Or it can be
threatening, disturbing and challenging. It can strengthen traditional values, spread new ideas or preserve a
treasured heritage from past times.
The ancient Greeks were the greatest sculptors of the ancient world. They used sculptures to decorate their
temples. The Greeks were experts at turning stone into life-like imitations of real people.
Traditionally, Native Americans carved tall tree-trunks into towering totem poles, and placed them outside
the homes of powerful families. They were signs of high rank, and records of family history, they were
sometime also thought to have protective powers.
In Tibet, painted canvas cloths called tankas hang in Buddhist temples. They show gods, spirits and sacred
symbols, and help Buddhist worshippers pray. The artists who create tankas follow strict rules and use
traditional patterns and colours when composing their designs.
Answer the following questions.
1. Why is art important all around the world?
2. What does art strengthen?
3. Who were the greatest sculptors of the ancient world? What did they use sculpture for?
4. What did the Native Americans carve?
5. What were the totem poles signs of?
Answers
Answer:
1) It has the power to educate people about almost anything. It can create awareness and present information in a way that could be absorbed by many easily. In a world where there are those who don't even have access to good education; art makes education an even greater equalizer of society.
2) Creating art can be beneficial throughout all stages of life. It can help children be better students and improve quality of life for seniors. The creative process relieves burdensome stress, encourages creative thinking, boosts self-esteem, and provides a sense of accomplishment.
3)Over time, the use of sculptures evolved such that by the start of civilization, people used them as a representation of gods. Ancient kings who wished to immortalize their rules had statues made in their likeness, and in so doing, they led to the beginning of portrait sculpting, an art that continues to date.
4)Native American weaponry was used by Native American warriors to hunt and to do battle with other Native American tribes and European colonizers.
5)Common figures found on totem poles include the raven (a symbol of The Creator), the eagle (representing peace and friendship), the killer whale (a symbol of strength), the thunderbird, the beaver, the bear, the wolf and the frog.