ARTS AND CRAFTS OF SOUTH, WEST, AND CENTRAL ASIA

In Central, West, and South Asia, the different periods of Indian Art have showed the significant in evolution of arts and crafts. Their wonderful
examples of architecture, sculpture, painting, events and crafts reflect the age-old traditions of each country.

Diwali is celebrated by Hindus in India and all around the world in October or November. It is the Hindu New Year and is either a 3-day or 5-day
holiday depending on where you come from. It is a very exciting and colorful holiday, where homes are cleaned to welcome the New Year and
windows are opened so that the Hindu goddess of wealth, Lakshmi, can enter. Hindus believed that she cannot enter a house which is not lit up, so
every household burns special Diwali clay lamps (diyas) to light the way for the goddess, which is why the holiday is also known as the 'Festival
of Lights'.

Rangoli is one of the most beautiful and most pleasing art forms of India. It is comprised of two words: 'rang' meaning 'color' and 'aavalli'
meaning 'colored creepers' or 'row of colors'. Rangoli, the art of making designs or patterns on the walls or the floor of the house, uses finely
ground white powder along with different colors. These vary in shape and purpose. The arts and crafts of India are the Diwali and Rangoli.

Rangoli, the art of making designs or patterns in the walls or the floors of the house, uses finely ground white powder along with different colors.
The patterns or designs used in Rangoli are geometric patterns, swastika, lotus, trident, creepers, leaves, fish, conch, flowers animals and etc.

In Pakistan the trucks have bright colors they painted their trucks with the images of idealized landscapes, famous personalities, flowers and trees.

Most unique and beautiful carpets in the world is found on Turkmenistan. Turkmenistan carpets are made by weaving and the materials used are
wool, cotton and silk by women using horizontal looms. Carpet weaving is an ancient art, and each tribe developed its own distinctive pattern.

Mandala is a spiritual and ritual symbol in Hinduism and Buddhism, representing the perfect universe. The circular designs symbolize the idea
that life is never ending and everything is connected.

Arts of India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Lebanon. From East Asia, our lesson will change its
course down through India and Pakistan of South Asia, towards the Stan-countries of Central Asia, and West Asia. There, you will discover the
rich Arts and cultures of their people. You will know more about their history and understand how cultural arts play a significant role in their
activities and daily life.
BRIEF INTRODUCTION
South, West and Central Asians make arts and crafts that reflects on how rich and creative the people they have. They made an artwork which uses
the natural resources of their country. The designs and motifs they use are based on what culture they have. They make also artworks to honor
their Gods and Goddesses

Periods of Indian Art

 Ancient Period (3900 BCE-1200 CE)
Some evidences of the early civilization are bronze and copper statuettes and steatite seals, which show vigor and concern for surface texture as
constantly characterized in Indian art
The Ajanta Caves of Maharashtra, India are 30 rock-cut cave monuments that date back from the 2nd century BCE to the 600 CE, including
paintings and sculptures considered to be masterpieces of Buddhist religious art, as well as frescos that are reminiscent of the Sigiriya paintings in
Sri Lanka.

 Classical Period (5th to 6th centuries)

The image of Shiva, the destroyer develops into Shiva the Cosmic- dance the four arm figure, where one hand holds the fire with which he
destroys, another holds a drum, which is the first sound heard in the world at birth, the third arm points up in a reassuring gesture and a fourth
points down to the dwarf in which he dances.

 Islamic Ascendancy (1192-1757) or Transitional Period

This was the period of evolution from Vedism into Hinduism or Brahmanism. The two great Indian epics: the Mahabharata and the Ramayana
emerged in this period.

 Mogul period (16th Century)

Moguls contributed to the enrichment of Indian culture, in painting and in architecture. The most splendid example is the Taj Majal built in 1632
by Shah Jahan in memory of his wife.
SAUDI ARABIAN ARTS AND CRAFT PRODUCTION
West Asia is rich in culture and heritage, and Saudi Arabian shows a variety of evidence in the quality of arts and craft. Saudi Arabia traces its
roots back to the earliest civilizations of the Arabian Peninsula.
Over the centuries, the peninsula has played an important role in history as an ancient trade center and as the birthplace of Islam, one of the
world’s major monotheistic religions. Since King Abdul-Aziz Al-Saud established the modern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932, its
transformation has been astonishing. In a few short decades, the Kingdom has turned itself from a desert nation to a modern one, sophisticated
state and a major player on the international stage. The Saudi society has evolved over the years, their values and traditions from customs,
hospitality to their style of dressing, are adapting with modernization.
https://sacm.org.au/culture-traditions-and-art/