Chapters 6-8 Flashcards

Study Notes

Hunter and Kangaroo - Arnhem Land, Australia

Depicts inseparable unity of people and nature rooted in Aboriginal beliefs and mythology.
Creation story originates from the Dreamtime, where ancestor spirits formed the earth and remain connected to it.
Natural elements (rocks, rivers, plants) are seen as embodiments of ancestral spirits.
The Dreamtime is ongoing; creation and destruction of nature result from these spirits.
Aboriginal art is deeply religious and traditional, designed to attract ancestor spirits through recognizable forms.
Artists serve as conduits for ancestor spirits, translating designs into physical art.
The artwork "Hunter and Kangaroo" exemplifies x-ray or in-fill style, illustrating bones within the kangaroo figure.
This style dates back to around 2000 BC, continuing into the 20th century, primarily created on tree bark.

Ancestral Poles - Asmat, New Guinea

Created from wood, paint, and sago palm leaves, reflecting Asmat culture, known for head hunting.
Social status in the Asmat society was linked to warfare and the acquisition of mana through killing and consuming enemies.
Bisj poles serve as a ceremonial object to appease spirits of unburied dead, crucial after head hunting raids.
Rituals associated with pole creation symbolize decapitation and proper funerary practices akin to a tree's lifecycle.
Human figures on the poles represent ancestors, often depicted with stylized phalluses symbolizing strength.
Poles feature cavities for heads taken as offerings to ancestor spirits, emphasizing the connection to mana.
The concepts of Tapu (taboo) indicate actions that reduce mana, such as specific behaviors during rituals.

Kukailimoku - Hawaii

Sculpture made of wood representing the Hawaiian war god Kukailimoku, significant in late 18th or early 19th century Hawaii.
Hawaii's settlement occurred around 300 CE, with further immigration from Tahiti between 900-1200 CE.
King Kamehameha I unified the Hawaiian Islands in his reign, representing a pivotal historical figure.
The statue’s large head symbolizes substantial mana, suggesting the figure's power and strength.
Kukailimoku’s pose indicates readiness for battle, with a stout and muscular build and a grimacing expression.
Long hair is a mark of social status, while facial lines near the mouth may represent tattoos.

Moai - Easter Island

Created before the 15th century, the Moai statues reflect the rich cultural history of Rapa Nui, the native name for Easter Island.
The island was populated around 1200 CE by settlers from the Marquesas Islands, creating a strong cultural legacy.

Description

Explore the fascinating intersection of culture, religion, and mythology through the artwork of Hunter and Kangaroo from Arnhem Land, Australia, painted in 1912. This quiz delves into the depths of the Dreamtime narrative and how it perceives the unity of people and nature. Test your knowledge on these critical cultural themes and the essence of ancestor spirits.