APAH Notes: Votive Figures, Alexander Mosaic, Two Fridas, Pisupo Lua Afe (Corned Beef 2000) and Related Concepts

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the notes on votive figures, the Alexander Mosaic, Kahlo’s works, and the Pisupo Afe sculpture, plus related art analysis terms.

Votive Figures from Eshnunna

Small Sumerian statues offered to deities in temples; typically depict mortals with large eyes and hands in prayer, placed beneath temple floors or in sacred spaces as continual offerings.

Alexander Mosaic

A large Roman mosaic from Pompeii depicting the battle between Alexander the Great and Darius III; created with tesserae to convey dynamic action and often considered a copy of a Hellenistic painting.

Pisupo Lua Afe (Corned Beef 2000)

A contemporary New Zealand sculpture by Michael Tuffery made from repurposed corned beef cans; an upcycled work critiquing colonialism, imported foods, and food sovereignty in Pacific communities.

Upcycling

The practice of transforming waste materials into new products of higher value, as seen in Pisupo Lua Afe where cans are repurposed into sculpture.

Food Sovereignty

The right of a nation or its people to define their own agricultural and food systems, including production, distribution, and policy decisions.

The Two Fridas

Frida Kahlo’s 1939 painting featuring two self-portraits—one in European dress and one in Tehuana dress— Connected by a shared artery, exploring identity, heritage, and pain.

Diego on My Mind (Diego en mi pensamiento)

A Kahlo self-portrait motif in which Diego Rivera’s image or influence appears within the piece, symbolizing his impact on her life and art.

Stylized Tree / World Tree

A tree motif used in various cultures to symbolize cosmic order, connectivity between realms, and life; may appear in Bead-like or highly stylized forms.

Silla (Korea)

The ancient Korean kingdom known for its artwork and cultural influence; referenced here as a context for East Asian artifacts and motifs such as stylized trees.

Gold-Jade Tree (Material/Medium)

A tree motif rendered in precious materials (gold and jade); demonstrates luxury craftsmanship and symbolic meaning in sculpture or metalwork.

Use of Light

The deliberate application of light and shading in art analysis to enhance form, mood, and perception of materials.”

Surgical Scissors (in Kahlo’s work)

A motif used in Frida Kahlo’s art to symbolize physical and emotional pain, injury, and endurance; reflects personal trauma and its impact on her life.