Arts 8

Quarter 3

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What This Module All About
In this module, you will learn about the art of India, Central Asia and Middle East :

• How the visual art were produced and can be classified into specific periods, each
reflecting particular religious, political and cultural developments

• How it intertwines with the enriching history, religions and philosophies of the
subcontinent

• How strong sense of design can be observed in their modern as well as in their
traditional forms

• How they exhibits ornate, very intricate and colorful motifs where a voluptuous
feeling is given unusually free expression

• What are the five independent republics, that comprises Central Asia The Middle
East is a region that encompasses Western Asia and all or part of North Africa.

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What I Need to Know
After going through this activity sheet, you are expected to:

●analyze elements and principles of art in the production of arts and crafts
inspired by the cultures of South Asia (A8EL-IIIb-1)

●identify characteristics of arts and crafts in specific countries in South Asia

(A8ELIIIa-2)

●reflect on and derive the mood, idea or message from selected artifacts and
art objects (A8PL-IIIh-1)

●appreciate the artifacts and art objects in terms of their utilization and their
distinct use of art elements and principles (A8PL-IIIh-2)

●trace the external and internal influences that are reflected in the design of
an artwork and in the making of a craft (A8PL-IIIh-4)

●show the relationship of the development of crafts in specific countries in

South Asia, according to functionality, traditional specialized expertise,
and availability of resources (A8PR-IIIf-3)

●show the commonalities and differences of the cultures of the South Asian,
countries in relation to Philippine culture (A8PR-IIIh-4)

●incorporate the design, form, and spirit of South Asian artifacts and objects
to one’s creation (A8PL-IIIh-3)

●create arts and crafts that can be locally assembled with local materials,
guided by local traditional techniques (A8PR-IIIc-e-1)

●derive elements from traditions/history of a community for one’s artwork

(A8PR-IIIf-2)

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 Lesson Introducing the Arts of South
1 Asia

What’s In
In the previous quarter, you were able to explore East Asian countries and gained a lot
of information about their contribution to the world through their arts. Can you name
them?

Directions. Name the following East Asian arts. Write your answer on a separate sheet
of paper.

1. 2. 3.
O______ C__________ K___ T____

4. 5.
J____ L_____ C________ K___

What is It
In this quarter, you will learn about South Asia and their artworks and distinguish
its similarities and differences with the arts of the other regions in Asia.

South Asia is a relatively flat region bordered by steep mountain ranges. It can be
divided into a main portion (Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh), an island (Sri Lanka), and
two countries perched in the Himalayas (Nepal and Bhutan).

South Asia being one of the large regions of the world features a shared cultural
foundation, the Indian culture. (In historical discussion, "India" often denotes all of South
Asia, not just the region of modern India.)

Pre-modern South Asian history can be divided into four parts. Civilized life in this
region began with the Indus civilization. With the collapse of Indus society, a nonurban
period ensued, during which the Indic people arrived in South Asia and proceeded to
develop Indian culture. As Indian culture emerged, the Indic people became the Indian
people.

With the rise of Indian cities, Indian civilization flourished independently. Then
came a period of Islamic domination, during which Islamic states (established by
invaders from Central Asia) controlled much of South Asia.

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 ARTS of SOUTH ASIA
a. Indus Civilization Art
Little art survives from the Indus civilization; most is small sculpture. Perhaps the
most famous aesthetic remnants of the Indus civilization are soapstone seals.

soapstone seals
http://www.essential-humanities.net/img/art/artw41.png

The two largest settlements of the Indus civilization were Mohenjo-Daro and
Harappa. While the ruins of these cities are renowned for their carefully-planned layouts,
little survives of their buildings.

Ruins of Mohenjo Daro

http://www.essential-humanities.net/img/art/artw42.png

b. Buddhist Architecture
India gave rise to three major religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. During
the first half of the Indian kingdom age (ca. 500 BC-1200 AD), Buddhism and Hinduism
vied for religious dominance of India. Buddhism then fell into decline, leaving Hinduism
the dominant faith of India by far (which remains today). Meanwhile, Jainism has always
flourished as a significant minority religion.

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 Most surviving architecture of the Indian kingdom age is religious in nature.
Remarkably, many of these structures are rock-cut architecture (they were carved out of
solid natural rock).

Ajanta Caves of Maharashtra, India

https://i0.wp.com/www.hisour.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Ajanta-Caves.jpg?w=960&ssl=1

The Ajanta Caves are approximately 30 rock-cut Buddhist cave

monuments famous for its mural paintings.

paintings in the Ajanta Caves

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Life_circle_of_Lord_Buddha_-_A_marvel_of_painting_inside_Ajanta_Cave.jpg
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Coming_Of_Sinhala_(Mural_At_Ajanta_In_Cave_No_17).jpg

c. Indian Sculptures
Sculpture is considered the primary traditional art form of South Asia. The
predominant subject of South Asian sculpture is the human figure. In addition to
architectural carvings, South Asian sculptors produced many free-standing statues,
primarily in stone (but also bronze).

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 Shiva, the Cosmic-dancer
http://www.essential-humanities.net/img/art/hindu-statue-bronze.jpg

d. Indo-Islamic Art

With the rise of Islamic states as the dominant powers of South Asia, Indian art
was subjected to Islamic influence. The most brilliant manifestations could be seen in
their architecture.
The primary form of Indo-Islamic architecture is the mosque. The exterior of an
Indo-Islamic mosque is often rich with sculpture, such that it resembles the exterior of a
Hindu temple. Moreover, the towers and domes of an Indo-Islamic mosque are often
clearly based on the towers of Hindu temples or the domes of Buddhist stupas.
The masterpiece of Indo-Islamic architecture is the Taj Mahal, a mausoleum with
a mosque design constructed from dazzling white marble. The mausoleum contrasts
sharply with the smaller flanking buildings, made primarily of red sandstone.

Taj Mahal
http://www.essential-humanities.net/img/art/artw56.png

d. Diwali

Diwali, or Dipawali, (Festival of Lights) is India's biggest and most

important holiday of the year. The festival gets its name from the row (avali) of
clay lamps (deepa/diya) that Indians light outside their homes to symbolize the
inner light that protects them from spiritual darkness.

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 diyas
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Diwali_lamps.jpg

Hindus interpret the Diwali story based upon where they live. But there's one
common theme no matter where people celebrate: the victory of good over evil.

Diwali is celebrated for three to five days. Aside from clay lamps, people also
decorate their homes with patterns called Rangoli on the floor using colored powders or
sand.

Rangoli
https://pixabay.com/photos/rangoli-colorful-indian-festival-231339/

On the main day of the festival, families gather together for Lakshmi Puja, a prayer
to Goddess Lakshmi, followed by mouth-watering feasts and firework festivities.

e. TRUCK ART
Truck art is a popular form of regional decoration in South Asia, with Pakistani and
Indian trucks featuring elaborate floral patterns and calligraphy.

Many trucks and buses are highly customized and decorated by their owners. The
decoration often contains elements that remind the truck drivers of home. The art is a
mode of expression for the truck drivers. Decoration may include structural changes,
paintings, calligraphy and ornamental-decor like mirror work on the front and back of
vehicles and wooden carvings on the truck doors. Depictions of various historical scenes
and poetic verses are also common.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Truck_art_in_South_Asia#/media/File:Sisters_getting_ready.jpg

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What’s More
ACTIVITY 1: Decode the Message
Instructions: Decode the number below the line using alphabet after decoding. Give
the message or idea of the arts and arts objects. Write your answer on the space
provided.

1. ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

19 8 9 22 1

_______________________________________________________

2. ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

18 1 14 7 15 11 9

_______________________________________________________

3. ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

4 9 25 1 19

_______________________________________________________

4. ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

20 18 21 3 11 1 18 20

_______________________________________________________

5. ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

20 1 10 13 1 8 1 12

______________________________________________________

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What I have Learned
Activity: Complete Me!
Complete the given statement with the knowledge you acquired or if there are
unclear concepts that concern you from this lesson. Accomplish this task with
Honesty.

I Understand

I learned _____________________________________________
____________________________________________________
The lesson helped me__________________________________
____________________________________________________
I find the lesson ________________________________________
____________________________________________________

I Gained
I am guided because ____________________________________
____________________________________________________
I am prepared _________________________________________
____________________________________________________

Assessment
Directions. Identify the following. Write your answer on a separate sheet of
paper.

__________1. clay lamps that symbolize inner light

__________2. the predominant subject of South Asian sculpture
__________3. India’s Festival of Lights
__________4. the primary form of Indo-Islamic architecture
__________5. making designs or patterns on floors of houses using colored sand
or powder
__________6. popular form of South Asian decoration on trucks
__________7. a mausoleum constructed from dazzling white marble
__________8. a 30 rock-cut cave monuments famous for its murals
__________9. most famous remnants of the Indus civilization
__________10. carved out of solid natural rock

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 Lesson Introducing the Arts of Central
2 and West Asia

What’s In

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What is It
In this quarter, you will learn about the arts of Central and West Asia.

Central Asian region consists of the former Soviet republics of Kazakhstan,

Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. It is also colloquially referred to
as "the stans" as the countries generally considered to be within the region all have
names ending with the Persian suffix "-stan", meaning "land of". Various neighbouring
areas are sometimes also considered part of the region.
ARTS of CENTRAL ASIA
Arts of Uzbekistan
Making printed cloth was very popular among the peoples who inhabited the
region of present Uzbekistan. Printed table-cloths, curtains, bed-spreads, shawls, high-
quality cloth for women's garments, various coverlets (including horse-cloth), and even
funeral cerements and other piece and metrical printed articles performed a utilitarian
function and served as a daily-round ornament.
Uzbekistan ceramic art through many centuries was the most developed craft in
this region. The most famous Uzbekistan ceramic articles are made in Rishtan. It is
renowned for the blue glaze Ishkor. Rishtan ceramics is mostly decorated with herbal
elements as well as images of kumgans, birds, fishes, elements of architectural
adornments.

Uzbek’s printed cloth Rishtan Ceramics

https://abasayyoh.com/uploaded_images/pages/1/261.jpg nxybC2mZoDk/VPOiFsK_OiI/AAAAAAABjXk/wpXhTTzNa6w/s1600/RishtanCeramics.j

phttp://3.bp.blogspot.com/- g

Arts of Kazakhstan
The Kazakhs were traditionally pastoral nomads, dwelling year-round in
portable, dome-shaped tents (called gers, or yurts) constructed of dismountable
wooden frames covered with felt.

yurts
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kazakh_Yurts.jpg

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 The harsh conditions of a nomadic life forced people to produce all necessities on their
own. Kazakh folk craft tradition was thereby borne out of that necessity, with items
meeting the needs of the people and rarely being used for trade. Amongst nomadic
tribes, the type of handicraft work was delegated by gender: men were engaged in the
processing of wood, metal, leather, and other types of industries that require strength
and were traditionally associated with male activities; women worked in areas where
perseverance and hard work were needed—making and processing felt or wool and
various types of weaving and embroidery.

yurt’s interior decorations

https://img.theculturetrip.com/1440x807/smart/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/paris-yourte_kazakh-650x366-1.jpg

With Kazakhstan’s incorporation into the Russian Empire at the beginning of the
19th century, the development of trade led to a decline in the role of folk crafts. Today,
handicrafts are a reflection of the rich nomadic culture of Kazakhstan, and handicrafts
mainly serve as gifts and souvenirs.

Arts of Tajikistan
Tajiks are a very ancient nation. Hence, the culture of this people is rather unique
and originates somewhere in extreme antiquity. Tajiks have managed to preserve the
traditions and customs of people
From times immemorial Tajiks have been famous for creations of national
craftsmen. These skillful hands have been making fabrics, utensils, musical
instruments, carpets, furniture, jewelry and many other things for many centuries using
only natural ecologically pure raw materials.
The art of decorative carving is very important for the local residents. It decorates
the monuments of architecture, household objects, musical instruments, utensils,
doors, frames, souvenirs and so forth. This is one of the most ancient and widespread
crafts in Tajikistan. There are woodcarving (utensils, furniture), stone carving and
ganchu (architectural monuments, houses, interior decoration).
Long time ago images of people and animals were widely used in carving. After
Islam had been introduced they gradually disappeared to be replaced by numerous
Arabian inscriptions. Some carvers prefer "vegetative", geometrical patterns.
Household objects are normally decorated with onychoid four-leaf carving made on red-
black painting. In architecture the ornamentation in the form of lotus, tulips and other
flowers is more characteristic.

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 process of woodcarving
https://encyclocraftsapr.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Process-of-wood-carving.-Istaravshan.-2012.jpg

Arts of Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan culture is slightly different from the cultural traditions of the

neighboring Muslim states of Central Asia. The reason to this is that the ancestors of the
Turkmen were nomadic tribes whereas the lands of modern Tajikistan and Uzbekistan
were populated by settled tribes of farmers.
The traditional arts of Turkmen include felt manufacture, jewelry making,
woodwork, ceramics, and silverwork, but the two crafts in which Turkmen excel are silk
manufacture and carpet making.
Turkmenistan produces some of the most unique and beautiful carpets in the
world. Carpet weaving is an ancient art, and each tribe developed its own distinctive
pattern. Turkmen carpets have been traditionally woven out of wool, cotton, and silk by
women, using horizontal looms. The method of weaving has been modernized, but the
beauty and quality of the fabrics remains.
Turkmenistan is also the source of ketene, a homespun silk that is used for the
beautiful dresses worn by Turkmen women on special occasions. The embroidery uses
different patterns that are as unique as a family seal, identifying the tribe of its artist.

Turkmen rug
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Tolkuchka_Bazaar4.jpg

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Arts of Kyrgystan

Kyrgystan culture is heavily influenced by the traditions from nomadic life. Kyrgyz
culture features influences from Russia, Persia, and Turkey, but yet remains something
entirely unique. Nature influences are prominent and many traditions reflect the fact that
nomads lived closely with nature.
As nomads, the Kyrgyz people always live closely with nature. From their housing
to their clothing, everything was designed to adapt to changing weather and locations.
Yurts are easy to take apart and carry, and can be made warmer for winter, and cooler
for summer. The textiles inside yurts, such as the shyrdaks (handmade carpet or rugs)
and tush Kyiz (embroidered wall hangings), take their inspiration from designs found in
nature, such as plants, animals and landscapes. Even clothing was made out of natural
materials, and designed to be comfortable while still stylish.

Shydarks
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mie4E6XXRTg/UJNXBmeyVSI/AAAAAAAACD4/WqYUuusIN14/s640/1311711325+%25281%2529.jpg

Tush Kyiz
https://collections.artsmia.org/art/99492/tush-kyiz-kyrgystan

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 ARTS OF WEST ASIA

West Asia, also Western Asia, is entirely a part of the Middle East. It includes
Anatolia, the Arabian Peninsula, Iran, Mesopotamia, the Levant region, the island of
Cyprus, the Sinai Peninsula, and partly Transcaucasia. 20 countries are located fully or
partly in Western Asia, out of which 13 part of the Arab world. The most populous
countries in Western Asia are Iran, Turkey, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Yemen.

West Asian art encompasses the arts of the Near East, including the ancient art
of Mesopotamia, and more recently becoming dominated by Islamic art.

Arts of Mesopotamia

The emphasis of the art of the

Mesopotamia was various, very durable,
forms of sculpture in stone and clay; little
painting has survived.

Mesopotamian survives in a number of

forms; cylinder seals, relatively small
figures in the round, and reliefs of various
sizes.

Statue of Ebih-II
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ebih-Il_Louvre_AO17551_n01.jpg

Islamic Art

Islamic art is difficult to characterize because

it covers a wide range of lands, periods, and genres,
including architecture, calligraphy, miniature, glass,
pottery, and textile arts.
Religious art is represented by
calligraphy, architecture and furnishings of religious
buildings, such as mosque fittings (e.g. mosque
lamps and Girih tiles),

Egyptian mosque lamp

woodwork and carpets.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Mosque_Lamp_of_Amir_Qawsun.jpg

Islamic Art is often characterized by recurrent motifs, such as the use of

geometrical floral or vegetal designs in a repetition known as the arabesque. The
arabesque is often used to symbolize the transcendent, indivisible and infinite nature of
God. Mistakes in repetitions may be intentionally introduced as a show of humility by
artists who believe only God can produce perfection, although this theory is disputed.

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 detail of arabesque decoration

Some interpretations of Islam include a ban of depiction of animate beings, also

known as aniconism. Islamic aniconism stems in part from the prohibition of idolatry and
in part from the belief that creation of living forms is God's prerogative. Muslims have
interpreted these prohibitions in different ways in different times and places. Religious
Islamic art has been typically characterized by the absence of figures and extensive use
of calligraphic, geometric and abstract floral patterns.

tiles with calligraphy

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Courtyard_of _the_S%C3%BCleymaniye_Mosque_in_Istanbul,_Turkey_004.jpg

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 What I have Learned
Art of India, Central Asia, and West Asia plays a significant role in the daily life
and activities of the people. Resourcefulness and clarity are keys to successful art
activities. They also reflect their attitudes toward important aspect of life of the period
which produce them as a mirror of cultural history.

What I Can Do

RANGOLI
Rangoli is an art form originating in the Indian subcontinent, in which patterns are
created on the floor or the ground using materials such as coloured rice, coloured sand,
quartz powder, flower petals, and coloured rocks.
The purpose of Rangoli is to feel strength, generosity, and it is thought to bring
good luck. Design depictions reflect traditions, folklore, and practices that are unique to
each area.

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You will need:
• ¼ illustration board
• glue
• paper plate
• pencil
• colored sand / powder
•
Directions:
1. Sketch a design unique from your area (a local icon or product) in a ¼ illustration board
using a pencil.
2. Finalize the outline with heavier lines.
3. Use glue to outline your design.
4. Roll a paper plate into a cone and snip a small hole in the narrow end.
5. Fill the larger opening with colored sand/powder. Use your finger as a stopper on the
small hole you made, to control the flow of the sand/powder.
6. This is the most interesting step, and usually the most fun. Fill in your design with sand
according to your choice and color combination. In Indian culture, it is important to
completely fill in your Rangoli, leaving no open spaces.

Your artwork will be evaluated using these criteria:

EXCELLENT GOOD FAIR POOR
Category
5 4 3 2
Followed the Followed most Followed some
Following Did not follow
directions of the of the directions
Directions directions
correctly directions
Output is very Output is fair Output is dull
Creativity and Output is good
creative and and has few with lots of
Workmanship and tidy
tidy errors errors
Patterns of
Patterns of There is no
South Asian Patterns of
South Asian visible pattern
culture is South Asian
culture is of South,
Pattern welldefined and culture is visible
somewhat Central and
used from the but not clearly
visible but not West Asian
beginning to end defined
continuous culture

SELF ASSESSMENT:
1. Was I able to employ different art elements and principles in making this
activity?
2. Did I enjoy working on this activity?
3. How can I help preserve Filipino culture and arts like how South Asians do?

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Assessment
DIRECTIONS. Write the letter of the correct answer on a separate sheet of paper.

1. Country known for making printed tablecloth, curtains, bedspreads, and shawls
A. Uzbekistan B. Kazakhstan C. Tajikistan D. Pakistan
2. Rishtan ceramics is mostly decorated with __________.
A. birds B. fishes C. herbals D. all of the above
3. Men of Kazakhstan were engaged/delegated in __________.
A. making and processing felt or wool
B. processing of wood, metal, leather
C. various types of weaving and embroidery
D. all of the above
4. Central Asian country known for making utensils, musical instruments,
furniture, etc. using only natural raw materials
A. Pakistan B. Tajikistan C. Uzbekistan D. Kazakhstan
5. A homespun silk used for beautiful dresses worn by Turkmen women on
special occasions
A. shirdaks B. tush kyiz C. ketene D. diyas
6. An embroidered wall hanging made found in Kyrgyz houses/yurts
A. ketene B. frescoes C. shirdaks D. tush kyiz
7. Handmade carpets or rugs of the Kyrgyz people
A. arabesque B. ketene C. murals D. shyrdaks
8. The emphasis of the art of Mesopotamia was on sculpture in __________.
A. clay B. metal C. wood D. none of the above
9. Cylinder seals, small figures in the round, and reliefs are examples of
_________.
A. Egyptian art B. Islamic art
C. Uzbek art D. Mesopotamian art
10. Islamic art is often characterized by recurrent motifs known as the
__________.
A. aniconism B. arabesque C. ganchu D. vegetative

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