Abstract This paper discusses the issues surrounding cultural and artistic repatriation, which remains one of the most contentious debates within the international archaeological and artistic community. The paper specifically discusses the Lega figure and the arguments for and against its repatriation, for cultural reasons, to the people of Congo. The paper then draws a conclusion as to the best course of action to take, regarding this piece of work.
Table of Contents:
Basic Criteria For Repatriation
Argument In Favor Of The Return Of The Selected Object
Argument Against The Return Of The Selected Object
Conclusion
From the Paper "However, merely because using the Lega figure as teaching tools in museums to different nations of the world does not justify the cultural loss to the people of the Congo, who originated these works to be part of their religious tradition, not as artifacts to teach the nations who exerted colonial domination over their territories. Also, even if the Lega figures are individualistic, this does not take away from their ritual significance. Finally, the idea that Western art scholars only approved of the Lega after recognizing the individual component added by certain creators shows that the Lega remain judged by Western standards, and not by the indigenous standards of their local community--the repatriation and relocation of the works may be necessary so the world can be educated in the contextual significance of these figures as well as judged by Western standards."
Abstract This paper takes a look at the process of ritual mummification in ancient Egypt. According to the paper, mummification refers to the process by means of which a human or animal body was preserved in ancient times.
From the Paper "The human and animal bodies were usually mummified the same way with the exception of a few things like linen and masks. Natron was used as the disinfectant and organs were usually removed to prevent internal decay. Heart was not removed however since it was considered the main organ of intelligence and hence sacred. Corpses were washed and wrapped in linen and bitumen was sometimes used for preservation. This was the practice during the Late Period and linen was normally provided by family of the deceased. Masks were used to cover the face of the deceased. Royal mummies were usually adorned with masks made of gold and silver while in other cases, wooden masks were also used. "
Abstract This paper discusses the Gilgamesh epic from Babylonia, which is believed to be the oldest known work of literature, written approximately in the year 2500 BC. The paper describes Gilgamesh, the demigod who ruled Uruk on the River Euphrates in the third millennium BC. The paper further describes the epic's account of the Deluge, similar to the Flood of the Bible, the artifacts it discusses, which are associated with Agga and Enmebaragesi of Kish, and its descriptions of the nature of heroism.
From the Paper "Gilgamesh is two-thirds god and one-third human and the strongest superhuman who ever lived (Kovacs 1989, Hooker 1996, Wikipedia 2006). The gods are disturbed by the extent of his might and his people, by his harshness and abuses, so that the gods send the wild man Enkidu to rival and handicap him. But Enkidu loses his strength by giving in to the seduction of the temple harlot Shamnat, who introduces him to a civilized life in Uruk, instead. There Enkidu engages into a losing fight with Gilgamesh when Enkidu tries to champion the rights of the people against their leader. But in the end, the two become friends. Gilgamesh goes on a victory spree and now wants to cut down cedar trees to construct the gate of his city. In order to do so, they have to combat and eliminate the guardian of the cedar forest, the demon Humbaba, which Gilgamesh is able to do with the help of Enkidu and the god Shamash. Despite Humbaba's appeal, Gilgamesh cuts off Humbaba's head on the prompting of Enkidu. But before dying, Humbaba curses Enkidu (Kovacs, Wikipedia, Hooker)."
Abstract This paper takes a look at the issues of science versus religion when trying to unlock the mysteries of the universe. According to the paper, religion and science are often at odds, especially regarding core issues such as the nature of time, the origins of humanity and the nature of religion itself. The paper goes on to discuss how, rather than be at odds with one another, science and religion should cultivate a shared interface, complementing each other in their mutual endeavors.
From the Paper "One of the most pressing questions in both religion and science is the nature of disease. Geneticists have been trying to unearth so-called founder mutations: one original genetic mutation that subsequently caused generations of people to carry and/or suffer from a serious illness like sickle cell anemia. Unlike many other mutations, founder mutations can be traced to one original ancestor. The discovery and study of founder mutations allows anthropologists to research the general patterns of human migration, providing a more complete understanding of history. Religion views genetic mutations in a different light. Many fundamentalist Christians, for example, might propose that disease is God-given. Yet if Mary Schweizer, an Evangelical Christian scientist, can unite religion with science then anyone can. Her devotion to fundamental Christian thought is not at odds with her scientific endeavors, according to Yeoman. In fact, Schweizer views science as a spiritual endeavor, as a means to discover the meaning of life, death, and seeming anomalies. Religion and science share common goals and objectives even when their theoretical underpinnings are in conflict with one another."
Tags: anthropomorphic, images, ancient, artifacts, questions, Stonehenge, civilization, new, age
Abstract The paper discusses how the art and architecture of both Mesopotamia and Egypt are similarly drawn from their environment, geographical characteristics, climate and natural resources. The paper explains how Mesopotamians benefited from their natural wealth, while the Egyptians focused on their classic achievement, the pyramids. The paper notes that basic differences include the subjugated expressions of Mesopotamian art and architecture on account of their subjugation to other peoples, who envied their natural resources. On the other hand, the paper shows how Egyptian art and architecture document their uniqueness in every feature of the tombs, reliefs and statutes they built for their kings.
From the Paper ""Mesopotamia" is the Greek word for "between the rivers" and refers to that region between the Tigris and the Euphrates Rivers, presently occupied by Iraq, Turkley and Syria (Delahunt 2006). The region was occupied in ancient times by many groups, including the Sumerians, Akkadians, Assyrians, Amorites, Kassites, Persians, Greeks, and Chaldeans. They passed their powers on to the Arabs, who now occupy current-day Mesopotamia. There is little rainfall in this region and access to the two rivers has been difficult. People in the region have built dams and grew food in the rich soil. They built
canals in order to distribute scanty water, an activity, which united them. They also invented the plough to raise their cattle and sheep."
Abstract This paper studies the habits of the smilodon, which was one of the most interesting predators of the Pleistocene era. It analyzes findings of of smilodon fossils and discusses how the findings have changed many of the ideas about the smilodon. It also discusses the social versus solitary natures of the animals and their hunting practices.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
What We Know About Smilodon
Social or Solitary
Genetics and DNA
How the Smilodon Attacked
Conclusion
From the Paper "When stalking its prey, the smilodon often injured itself and pulled soft tissues. The scars of these tissues bear the scars of these injuries. According to Rosie and Winters, the most common position for the body of a smilodon to be in when it attacked was feet forward in a lunge. This would suggest that smilodon would spring onto its prey. This theory was derived from data obtained by counting the number and location of injuries in the fossil record. It might be noted that when one compared the injuries of smilodon to canine species, there were fewer injuries from being kicked in the head. This would indicate that canine species attacked by lunging at the throat or hind quarters, whereas the smilodon landed on top of the animal's back and tried to bowl it over."
Abstract The paper examines opposing viewpoints on who possibly built Stonehenge, why they did and what the site was used for. The paper relates that Stonehenge is one of the most famous ancient archaeological sites in the world. The paper explains that many believe it holds religious significance, especially for the Druids, while others believe it was a sort of "sky map" that showed the positions of the sun and moon. The paper concludes that whatever its purpose was, Stonehenge is still magnificent and awesome today.
From the Paper "Stonehenge was built on the Salisbury Plain in Southern England. It lies about eight miles north of the town of Salisbury. Just about everyone is familiar with the look of Stonehenge - giant boulders moved to the site and arranged in a circle, with long boulders placed on top of the upright stones to form a type of lintel. However, there is more to Stonehenge than this famous image of upright stones. Stonehenge actually encompasses several different sections of building and development, from the ditch (now almost entirely filled in with silt) that surrounds the area to the bank rising up from the remains of the ditch and the Aubrey Holes and cemetery at the site."
Abstract This paper explores several issues associated with Apocryphal Psalm 151, including its authorship, the historical conditions of its writing and the historical period in which it was created. Additionally, the paper discusses the political and religious influences at the time the Psalm was written and the central themes of this particular work. Finally, the paper examines the Psalm from a religious Christian perspective, analyzing the Psalmists belief about the the sovereignty and providence of God.
Outline:
Introduction to Psalm 151
Authorship and Time-Period of Psalms 151
Historical, Political and Religious Influences
God's Sovereignty in Psalms 151
Summary and Conclusion
Bibliography
From the Paper "Psalm 151 is believed by the Qumran community to have been authored by David the King who authored the Psalms in the official Christian Bible, and upon reading this Psalm, it does seem to fit with the other writings of David insofar as the content. This Psalm speaks of brothers who are more handsome than he who writes the Psalm. Storfjell states that verse one which: "speaks about the size and age of David in comparison to his brothers and about his appointment to the work of Shepherd" (1987) is confirmed in verse 10 "which contrasts the fact that size and age are not criteria for being appointed to the position of leaders over Israel. "
Abstract This paper discusses animal and plant domestication. It summarizes the anthropological approach to domestication and briefly compares it to the genetic research model. The paper evaluates domestication as a process in the puzzle of developing a record of early man. The paper then compares archaeological evidence as it applies to the animal record and the plant record.
From the Paper "The archaeological record with regard to plant domestication includes a number of variable evidences. These evidences can be sought through examination of a chain of evidence in the record. A behavioral change occurs, in the manner that people are interacting with the plant, a genetic change occurs in the plant and a morphological change occurs where the plant becomes different in the record. Utilizing this chain the archeologist can look at a whole myriad of evidence seeking everything from geological changes wrought by human intervention, such as landscape alterations that indicate agricultural clearing and a general disturbance of the area for the purpose of planting, evidence of human intervention to obtain water for irrigation as well as specific comparative changes that have occurred within the plant itself, through comparison of wild species with suspected domesticates as they appear regionally, side by side in the record. (Smith 16)"
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that until about 1870, historians and scholars who specialized in the history and archeology of ancient Greece were, for the most part, quite ignorant about Greek culture and society and considered this area of study as being filled with myth. The writer points out that from excavations conducted in the early years of the 20th century, the history of ancient Greece is now well-known and understood, especially through the magnificent artifacts that have been uncovered. Thus, the writer maintains that these artifacts illustrate that the cultural and social heritage of ancient Greece was one of the most important Western civilizations of all time. The writer concludes that they also prove that the ancient Greeks were superb artisans who always attempted to reveal the intricacies of Greek culture through their work.
From the Paper "In essence, many of these artifacts will enable us to reconstruct the development of the Greek style in art and to appreciate their uses and place in ancient Greek society. Imagine for a moment living in ancient Greece, perhaps somewhere amid the long and winding coastline of the Aegean Sea, or perhaps high up in the great mountain chains of the Peloponnesos or Thessaly, the home of Mount Olympus and the pantheon of Greek gods and goddesses, such as all-powerful Zeus and his wife Hera, Aphrodite, the goddess of love, Apollo and Hermes, the messenger of the gods."
"In this environment, common men and women worked in the cities as laborers, merchants and slaves and toiled in the fields in order to feed the hungry masses in places like Argos, Sparta, Thebes and especially mighty Athens, the home of Pericles and Greek democracy. Thus, in these and many other environments, the ancient Greeks fashioned a very wide spectrum of items, ranging from ordinary clay pots to outstanding examples of Greek art in the form of amphora, drinking vessels, armor, weapons, jewelry, bowls and statues."
Abstract This paper argues that bull-leaping was not an intentional act of human sacrifice, but rather a highly prestigious, overtly religious ritual undertaken by the Minoan elite. It describes bull-leaping as depicted in archaeological evidence, explores to what extent the practice could have resembled the artistic depictions of the act and analyses the danger and possibility of performing such a feat. The paper also considers the controversial evidence of "human sacrifice" at the Anemospilia temple; looks at the other violent sports practiced by the Minoans; emphasises the religious significance of bull-leaping and discusses the necessary skill of the bull-leapers themselves.
From the Paper "That the Minoans practised human sacrifice was a possibility introduced following the grisly findings at the Anemospilia temple. Inside the temple ruins was, as Castleden1 (1990, 168-73) describes, the remains of a young man, with his legs tightly folded up, upon what appears to have been a sacrificial table. A long bronze blade was found beside him. The excavators, Y. Sakellarakis and E. Sapouna-Sakellaraki, proposed that the youth was sacrificed in order to avert the impending earthquake which destroyed the temple. Castleden not only maintains that human sacrifice was performed in this instance, he insists that it would have been an integral religious practise - enacted on many more occasions. He pushes the concept of the Minoans hidden 'shadow side' - mentioning several other examples."
Abstract The paper discusses the Hollywood image of the archaeologist and the discipline of anthropology. The paper defines archaeology and the role of anthropologists. The paper describes how the movie "Indiana Jones" makes archaeology look dangerous, exciting and extremely profitable while the realities of the discipline are totally different. The paper illustrates how Hollywood alters fact into fantasy to create its own version of anthropology and asserts that the character of Indiana Jones is not representative of the average archaeologist.
From the Paper "Indiana Jones makes archaeology look dangerous, exciting, and extremely profitable. The realities of the discipline are far different, as most professional archaeologists know. While Jones always finds the treasure, gets the girl, and escapes from the enemy, the real world of archaeology involves patience, long, tedious hours of digging and recovery, and more hours cataloging and indexing, often with few monetary rewards. However, discovering missing items from the past is enough reward for many anthropologists. Unlike Indiana Jones, their greatest rewards come from finding links to tie together ancient lives, rather than treasure for display in the world's museums."
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses that tourism is mainly based on geographical attractions, which include beautiful scenery, exciting and/or exotic locations, among others. The writer points out that the reasons for which people choose various tourist locations differ according to needs, preferences and affordability. The writer explains that heritage tourism is an example of tourist activity that allows people to enrich their basis of knowledge and information. Further, the writer notes that heritage tourism or cultural tourism is a branch of tourism offering the cultural dimension of the location where tourism occurs as the main value. Historical sites are usually the main attraction in this case. The writer discusses that the main coordinates of heritage tourism include culture, historic information, interaction with the local people and eventually, a perceived sense of adventure.
From the Paper "Heritage tourism or cultural tourism is a branch of tourism offering the cultural dimension of the location where tourism occurs as the main value. Historical sites are usually the main attraction in this case. The main coordinates of heritage tourism include culture, historic information, interaction with the local people and eventually, a perceived sense of adventure. Heritage tourism allows people to get in touch with the past. At the same time, it is important to mention that it contributes to the preservation of the cultural heritage itself."
"The products that heritage tourism offers can be customer oriented. From this point of view, one could speak about creative tourism. Creative tourism is based on the principle of interactivity."
Abstract The paper analyzes the artifacts found from the Cyclades sites and pottery from the same region. The paper describes how the style of the Cyclades statuettes fits with other works from different parts of the near east and shows how it influenced later classical Greek and Roman sculpture. The paper discusses the many shifts in aesthetic viewpoint in this century, when art was redefined in terms of the existing social relations and prevalent aesthetic ideas. The paper also looks at the geometric style in Greece and the relationship of art, mathematics and computer technology today.
From the Paper "The Cyclades are a group of islands in the Aegean Sea where neolithic burial sites have been found. The figurines found tend to be stylized and abstract in form (Fiero 8). The clay figurines in this culture are in place of the neolithic idols made of clay from other regions. The marble quarried on these islands made it possible for the workshops of the culture to flourish. Products made by artisans on the Cyclades made their way to Crete and also to the mainland. Most of the statuettes are naked female figurines with their arms crossed over the abdomen, and they are generally not designed to stand erect."
Contrasts three Anglo-Saxon inhumations by examining gendered grave-goods in order to learn how this portrayal of the feminine gender through grave-goods sheds light on the culture of a woman and her community.
Abstract The paper explores the portrayal of the feminine gender through grave-goods and the light these grave-goods shed on the culture of a woman and her community. The paper examines three contrasting inhumations, one Saxon, one Anglian and one Kentish, in order to compare and contrast these different cultures and communities. The paper discusses the revelations of contrasting styles of dress, varying roles played by women, such as weavers, wives and mothers and the status afforded to the Anglo-Saxon woman through the fulfilment of these roles.
From the Paper "In order to consider what is meant here by 'gendered grave-goods', it is first important to consider what is referred to by 'gender'. The term 'gender' is usually differentiated from the term 'sex' in that 'sex relates specifically to the biological, physical characteristics which make a person male or female at birth, whereas gender refers to the behaviours associated with members of that sex.' Sex, then, is defined biologically, and gender, culturally. Crawford says of the grave-goods associated with the pagan Anglo-Saxon inhumation ritual, that '[t]he clearest message conveyed [...] was the sex of the deceased', the sharp contrast between the '[w]eapons, including spears, shields and swords' almost exclusively found in male burials and the jewellery that is associated with female burials serving to highlight the very different types of goods used to symbolise the male and female sexes. Stoodley emphasises the contrast between masculine and feminine symbolism further still in his comment that the jewellery of the female inhumation ritual is not only an indication of the female sex, but is also involved in 'the creation of a feminine gender'."
