Homework 3: Art History
I visited the Memorial Art Gallery in Rochester to view some of the artworks on display. There were many different exhibits ranging from African, European, American and Asian artefacts. There were also impressionists and modern pieces of art. I have been to several other places, but my visit to the memorial art gallery was the best. They have the best instructors, and their location is even more impressive. Visiting this gallery feels inclusive as one actually participates. Unlike viewing artefacts online or in the picture, being present has an upbeat mood.
Ere Ibeji
Ere ibeji is made of wood with an approximate height of 10 inches. It has top-lidded eyes and upward mouth bow for a smile. Its large eyes join the body at the hips. Striking on the art is the oversized head and legs.
The art I liked most was the Ere Ibeji. The piece of art is a small wooden sculpture carved to house the spirits of dead twins. Its origin is the Nigerian Yoruba. The art is attractive due to its relationship with the Yoruba community, which has one of the highest rates of twinning in the world. Among the Yoruba community, twins are revered. However, due to complications of bringing forth twins, there are high mortality rates for twins in the community. In case of death, parents of the children find a carver who creates an Ere ibeji figure that is perceived as a focal for hosting the spiritual energy for the dead twins. In the community, twins are inseparable
The ere ibeji does not look like children based on its shape. It has a conical head with an elaborate hairstyle. They have rounded eyes and mystical facial features. They also have a balanced composition on their body parts with each of the features on them signifying a moral virtue or inner goodness that is inherent among all children. The art is exciting become of the significance the Yoruba community attaches to twins and its strong belief.in the community; twins are inseparable, thus, on death, their spirits have to be housed and cared for.
Its cultural significance makes it more interesting. The shape is making them look like adults. The ere ebeji has to be cleaned, fed, bathed and spoken to just like alive children. Its story is captivating, especially in regard to its linkage between the physical and spiritual word.
Coffins of Pa-debehu-Aset
The art is made to look Egyptian by the precise art. It has
The coffins of Pa-debehu-Aset were used in burying, one of the wealthy men of ancient Egypt. The coffins were created in 323-30 BCE in the Ptolemaic period in Egypt. The human-shaped coffins housed his mummified body while the box fit coffin was used as the house for the anthropoid. Both coffins are decorated with images and symbols of Egyptian gods and prayers that would guide the dead person in the afterlife. Egyptians believed that mummies were the eternal dwelling place for dead people. The inscriptions on the box cast divine powers of gods and goddesses that would protect the deceased persons during life and after death. The human-shaped anthropoid could be used as a substitute for the body after the mummy is destroyed.
The outside of the coffin was decorated in different pieces of art. Some contain symbols of gods or goddesses, prayers and spells. It was believed that these combinations would guide the soul of the mummy into the other world, the afterlife. The smooth texture of the surface of the coffin is a representation of the people’s faith. I find this piece of art so interesting. It is a pure representation of Egyptian history. It is truly rich in artistic content of ancient times. Besides, like people respect their God today. This art was away, and reminds the Egyptians how respectful their faith was.