LESSON Art in Early Civilizations Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson, you should be able to: discuss how art was used by prehistoric people to depict everyday life; eT Le esay rela Lcian == KeLM LCL CLE differentiate the techniques Used during the three kingdoms: of early Egypt; and explain how art is linked with religion in early Egyptian Civilization. Stone Age is a term used to describe a period of history when stones were used to make tools for survival. The term “conjures an image of men and women dressed in skins, huddling before a fire in a cave” (Fitchner-Rathus, 2013). Though prehistoric humans would not necessarily possess the complex rational capabilities to tell their story through written records and accounts, some artifacts in the form of cave paintings and sculptures would serve as the “storytellers.” In order to talk about prehistoric art, there is a need to situate them within the context of the three periods of the Stone Age culture (which roughly span the 14,000— 2,000 BCE): Paleolithic (the late years of the Old Stone Age), Mesolithic (Middle Stone Age), and the Neolithic (New Stone Age). The unearthing of archeological artifacts and remains provides modern society a glimpse of the beliefs, practices, and activities of early civilizations. The motives and reasons behind the creation of ancient materials such as sculptures, paintings, and architectural structures may not be clearly defined. Nevertheless, the early people produced such materials that reflect their attitudes and belief systems on spiritual, social, political, and economic matters. It can be noted that works of art and architecture were created from a wide array of materials from limestone to precious gems and metals to name a few. As the early humans started to transition from being nomads to permanent settlers, their everyday activities also had some changes, which is evident through the materials and even the works of art they have created. Despite changes as a result of adapting to their environment, there are central themes in their artworks. Most ancient artworks depict religious symbols, a wide array of organisms from nature and activities of everyday life.Let's Get started Think-Pair-Share: Imagine yourself as an archeologist in an excavation site in France or Spain. You come across a hole and upon further examination, the hole leads toa cave that has inscribed paintings on it. What images do you see? 41. Think about the scenario and write down or draw the images or figures that pop in your head. You may use the space below. 2. Pair up with your seatmate and share your answers. 3. Be prepared to share with the class the discussion you had with your partner. Let's Get Down to Business Prehistoric Art Archeological explorations reveal that there has been a gradual shift from a nomadic lifestyle of early humans to that of permanent settlements, paving the way for the rise of early civilizations. The Stone Age has witnessed how humans were able to lead more stable lives and eventually come up with permanent shelters and tools for survival. To complement this stability and sense of permanence, early humans also turned to the creation of paintings and sculptures that depict humans, animals, and their natural habitats. It would seem that there were attempts to record the kind of lives they led within that period of time. Central to the representation of early civilizations would be the establishing of possible linkages among art, religion, and life. Paleolithic Art is a product of climate change. As the climate got colder, part of the early humans’ instinct is to look for shelters that would provide them with warmth. Caves became protective havens for the early humans and these caves paved the way for the birth of their first attempts to create art. One cave painting can be traced back to Lascaux, France and its discovery came as a surprise. Two boys chased after their dog into a hole where their ball got stuck in, When they followed the dog, they were astonished to discover a cave with beautiful paintings. The cave paintings would eventually be called the "Hall of Bulls." ANAKFigure 1. Hail of Bulls found in a cave in Lascaux, France The figures depicted on the walls were done with a certain level of crispness and life that there were initial hesitations of the work's authenticity. However, evidence later on pointed out that the cave paintings were created during the Paleolithic Period. It is also important to take note that the paintings evoke naturalism, which is evidently seen through the contours of the animals’ body and their dark colors, Although most people would think that early humans were primitive, some of their art techniques were considered advanced for their time. Some of the early humans already used their own version of spray-painting techniques by using ground pigments blown through reeds or hollowed-out bones since these were the readily available materials for them. Aside from this spray-painting technique, early humans also worked with foreshortening and contrasting of lights and shadows. These techniques created the illusion of three- dimensional forms and seemingly real representation of animals. Artworks can be considered ornamental but there is little evidence to fully back up this notion, that early humans created these cave paintings for that very purpose. Most of these works were discovered inside the deep recesses of caves so they may not necessarily be used as decorative items. Some would say that these caves with paintings all over the walls and ceilings served as a kind of sanctuary for the early humans. As a safe haven, religious rituals could have possibly transpired within the confines of the caves. Some believed that there was a linkage between what was drawn and what could happen in real life. For example, drawing or painting the capture of a prey would translate to an actual capturing of an animal in real life. In addition, some of the works found reflected some of the early beliefs of humans especially with life and fertility. One of the works that reflected such beliefs would be a sculpture called the "Venus of Willendorf." This figure is a highly abstracted woman from highlighted body parts associated with fertility. Figure 2 shows that the woman has oversized breasts,enlarged hips, and round abdomen. The representation may show the importance q of taking care of these body parts for procreation and consequently the survival of species. Figure 2. Venus of Willendort Neolithic art has developed especially when life for the early humans has become more stable. They have learned to cultivate the land and domesticate animals. By 4000 BCE, there were several monumental and architectural structures erected. One of them is the Stonehenge located in Southern England. The purpose of this fascinating edifice remains a mystery up to this day and age. Some regard it as a temple while others see it as complex calendar the tracked the movements of both the Sun and Moon. Others ascribe some magical element to it by associating it with Merlin the Magician from King Arthur's story. For whatever purpose it was built on, it still remains as one of the architectural wonders the world has ever seen. Figure 3. Stonehenge 102As the Neolithic Period drew to a close, it was evident that different elements of civilization flourished in various parts of the world. It is also notable that most early civilizations emerged and flourished in river valleys: the Nile in Egypt, Indus in India, Tigris and Euphrates in Mesopotamia, and Huang Ho River in China. Egyptian Art The Fertile Ribbon starts from the banks of the Nile River, which flows north to Africa and ventures into the Mediterranean. It is in this very ribbon where early Egyptians recognized the integral role of the Nile River to their daily lives. It is this indispensability and utility that eventually led to the belief that the Nile is to be worshipped as a god. With this came the notion that art was something that can be ascribed and associated with religion. The Egyptian civilization can be divided into three periods: Old, Middle, and New Kingdom. Looking at the three periods, it can be noticed that for the Egyptians, art should be something religious and spiritual. There may have been differences in the techniques used and style emphasized, but there are common denominators among the artworks created during their respective time periods. During the Old Kingdom, it was evident that religion was bound to the afterlife. Aconcrete manifestation of this would have to be the erection of tombs. But the tombs were not just for keeping the dead bodies of important people, particularly the pharaohs; they also served as a shelter for the next journey, which is the afterlife. They decorated the tombs with everyday objects that would reflect day- to-day activities as if the afterlife is a mere continuation of what transpired on earth. The human figures seen in the tombs were represented in such a way that the profile of the head was evident, while the pelvis, legs, and upper torso were prominent and the eyes are in frontal view. Inside the tombs, the walls were also decorated and carved in very low relief and incised detail. It can be noticed that the use of color was evident but may have not been widely utilized because of its relative impermanence. One of the cosmetic palettes found in Egypt was called the Narmer Palette. It was a palette that utilized and applied dark colors around King Narmer's eyes. The palette was also a symbol that commemorates the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt. The unification was significant because it marked the beginning of their civilization.Figure 4. Narmer Palette At the back of the palette, King Narmer can be seen wearing the crown of Upper Egypt looking victorious over a slain enemy. In addition, two more dead warriors can be seen beneath him. To his right is a falcon, the god Horus perched on papyrus stalks, which is a symbol of Lower Egypt. The top is sculpted with bull-shaped heads with human features that is a representation of Hathor. This god symbolizes love and joy. What is very prominent is the king's size in comparison with the objects in the palette. Narmer, being the subject, is evidently larger than the people around him. This is a clear indication and assertion of his royal status. The front palette, on the other hand, shows lion-like figures with intertwined necks bound on leashes and tamed by two men. King Narmer is still present at the front side and he is shown reviewing the captured enemies. In this portrait, he is seen wearing the crown of Lower Egypt and holding some objects that denote power. The Narmer Palette is one of the artifacts that emphasizes the king's supreme and absolute authority. In most cases, the king is not just an authority figure but can be depicted and revered as a deity. This common notion among Egyptians is seen in Egyptian tomb sculptures, which are basically large in dimensions and proportions and made out of hard materials. The choice of materials is deliberate since they want the sculptures to endure and withstand any condition. Permanence was important because these sculptures would serve as the house of the ka or soul once the remains of the mummy disintegrate. One striking feature of most sculptures is that regardless of the age of death, the ka figures highlight the prime life of the deceased. During the Old Kingdom, one of the architectural wonders was also constructed. The pyramids in Giza served as tombs since their main purpose was to provide a resting place for the pharaohs, These pyramids are massive in size and were constructed using roughly more than two million limestone blocks. The stones used for the pyramids were quarried from a nearby plateau. The construction of the pyramids highlighted the ingenuity and advancement of the Egyptians for their time. Workers painstakingly moved the stones from the plateau going to the construction site using wooden rollers. Stonecutters on the site carved the blocks in a fine way before stacking them, The 110stacking process also showed the advancement of the Egyptians since they already used a system of ropes and pulleys. They finished it off by applying the surface with limestone for a more refined and flawless finish. The construction of the pyramids did not only show the brilliance of the early Egyptians but it also highlighted the reverence of the people to their pharaoh at the expense of the citizens. A lot of the workers died or punished for not reaching the quota in the process of constructing these massive architectural structures. However, they did not stop ensuring the excellent quality of the outsides, The Egyptians also ensured that the insides of the pyramids would celebrate the life of their pharaoh by lavishly decorating them. However, it posed as a problem since thieves usually plundered the valuable objects used to decorate the insides of the pyramids. Figure 5. The Great Pyramid of Giza One of the key features of the Middle Kingdom is a shift in the political hierarchy. There is an emergence of powerful groups of landlords that threatened the authority and rule of the pharaoh. Because of the internal struggle between these two influential sides, art has taken a back seat during the Middle Kingdom. In order for art to reemerge and flourish, Egypt needed to have a more stable situation. This happened during the rule of King Mentuhotep when Egypt eventually got back on track. Art during the Middle Kingdom had some references from the Old Kingdom, however there were some experimentation in terms of style that transpired during this period. Portrait sculptures and fresco paintings that were freely drawn are ‘some of the styles that emerged during this period. To solve the problem of thieves that plunder the tombs, the Egyptians made rock-cut tombs by carving out a living rock. The insides of the tombs were still filled with chamber and the hallways were lavishly decorated to celebrate the life of the deceased.Egypt was not immune from foreign invaders and eventually fell into the hands. of the Hyksos. This Asiatic Tribe introduced Bronze Age weapons and horses to the Egyptians. When these foreign invaders were overthrown, the Egyptians formed the New Kingdom. It was a time of expansionism through territorial acquisition Consequently, with the expansion came an increase in wealth leading not only to economic but also political stability. The art of the New Kingdom had references from both of the preceding kingdoms. Monuments and sculptures were still linked with death and reverence for the deceased. During the previous kingdoms, tombs were just used for worshipping the dead but with the New Kingdom, they started having mortuary temples. These temples, which were carved out of living rocks, served not only a sanctuary for the dead but also a place of worship for the living. During this period, Egypt has established itself as a more advanced and powerful civilization. With this newly found strength and power comes an inflated ego.'Their high regard for their people can be seen through their sculptures built on massive and monumental scales. After the New Kingdom, Egypt witnessed the Amarna Revolution led by King Akhenaton and Queen Nefertiti. He moved the capital to Tel El-Amarna, thus the name Amarna. During his reign, King Amenhotep wanted to revolutionize the arts and religion. He later on changed his name to Akhenaton, which came from Aton who is the sun god. This changing of names also signified the shift in religion. During this period, the only god to be revered was Aton. Egypt became monotheistic and Akhenaton ordered all to tear down all monuments of other gods. He then fervently ordered the creation and erection of new monuments in reverence to Aton. Most sculptures during this period had curving lines and full-bodied forms. There is emphasis to life-like features of the face like an elongate jaw and thick-lidded eyes. Most artists created artworks that are natural and seemingly real, highlighting the features of their subjects. Naturalism was not only used to depict the pharaoh but also was used for members of the royal family. The bust of Queen Nefertiti (Figure 6) has a long and sensuous neck. This figure was enhanced by applying paint to the limestone. Figure 6. Queen NefertitiLT ESL A The use of naturalism in artworks was rather short-lived. When King Akhenaton died, his successors returned to the more rigid and conventional styles they employed during the period of the kingdoms. They also destroyed images and figures of Aton and subscribed to monotheism. Probably one of the greatest discoveries from the Egyptian civilization was the tomb of Tutankhamen. He became king at a very young age and died at the age of eighteen. Howard Carter discovered his tomb in 1922. They were astonished to find gold artworks and that the coffin was made out of solid gold. The body of the young king was covered in linen and a gold mask covered his face. Figure 7. King Tutankhamen Let's Wrap It Up During the prehistoric period, the early humans had transitioned from a nomadic lifestyle to that of a more permanent one, which led to early civilizations. Some of the works discovered from this period would give modern society a glimpse of what was life like during that period. One of the early civilizations where art flourished was the Egyptian civilization. Throughout the three kingdoms all the way to.the Amarna Revolution, art has been directly used particularly in religious and spiritual activities. Through these unearthed and discovered artworks, the modern world could have a better understanding of the past and how it can affect the present.Let’s Work On This To check your understanding of the lesson, answer the following essay questions: 4. What was the importance and significance of art during the prehistoric period? 2. During the early Egyptian civilization, in what ways were art and religion interconnected? Let’s Make It Happen Make a photo journal of three art pieces discovered during the Stone Age or the Egyptian civilization that depict their beliefs and practices. For each artwork, identify the key elements and features consistent with the ones discussed in class. Share your insights as to how these pieces help people from the modern context understand the historical past. References Fichner-Rathus, L. (2017). Understanding Art. 11th Ed. Boston: Cengage Learning. Gilbert, R. (2005). Living with Art. New York: McGraw-Hill.