module 10 videos

1. Explain why you selected each of the TWO videos you choose from the selection listed above.

I chose the film on Buddhism because i am interested in that religion. I also chose African Art: Legacy of Oppression because I thought that was a very modern title. I was interested in learning more about how african art tied into the social world.

2. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.

I learned that Buddhism was began by an individual named Siddhartha Gautama. The plan that buddhists follow is called the 8-Fold path. I also learned that Buddhism was split in two groups, those who practiced to reach nirvana by themselves, and those who sought out companions to be “saved” by Buddha into nirvana. The buddhists had incredible architecture including The Great Buddha hall built in 1985. There are no internal pillars in this building. It also includes the largest Buddha statue in the western hemisphere.  

I learned that African Art is very symbolic. Masks often serve a purpose, to teach children to respect their elders, to teach about illnesses, and to scare enemies. I learned that one of those enemies was Westerners, particularly to the Congo state. Slave labor cut the population by 10 million people. There were also concentration camps created. Westerners held slaves under gun and whip, and since bullets were a rarity, proof of proper use was required. The right hand of many Africans was severed to prove the bullets had not been wasted. The westerners also brought some african art back out of curiosity of the ancient world.  

2. How do the videos relate to the readings in the text?

The text mentions Buddhist architecture such as the four gateways around Sanchi. The text goes into detail of the figures and their meaning, such as the yakshi, a female form that embodies fertility and abundance. These reliefs at Sanchi narrate the story of Buddha, but without showing him. Early Buddhist art avoided depicting Buddha directly, something I though very interesting since other religious figures are usually depicted in abundance out of respect.

The text refers the African mask making and usage as “the greatest of African arts”. I was most interested with the mention that a mask in Africa is always in motion, and never displayed passively like in Western culture. The text specifically spoke to one mask called “nowo”. The purpose of this mask is to induct women in the Bondo organization to adult status within society. The mask provides guidance, and sponsorship through spirits to make that transition from one stage of life to the next.

3. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of the readings and art concepts?

I thought the films were a very good overview of the culture of both groups. It was fast paced but didn’t leave too much detail behind and provided a good understanding of the time periods and cultures.