Art 176 Exam #2 Vocabulary

Buddha

Early aniconic representation through symbols like the wheel of the law, the tree of enlightenment, and empty seats meant to signify his presence, but not in human form. The Gupta period created the first “ideal image” of the Buddha. This evolved into full sculptural forms with specific features like elongated earlobes and mudras (hand expressions) to unite human and divine qualities.

Stupa

A dome-shaped burial mound, often containing relics of the Buddha or monks, used as a place of meditation and worship (circumambulation).

Gopura

A monumental entrance tower, usually ornate, at the entrance of a Hindu temple.

Literati Painting

A genre of Chinese art developed by educated scholar-officials during the Song Dynasty. Emphasizes the expression of personal feelings and ideas. Features spontaneous brushwork, ink wash techniques, and a focus on landscapes. Literati painters valued poetry, calligraphy, and painting as interconnected forms of artistic expression, often inscribing poems on their works.

Porcelain

A high-fired, vitrified ceramic known for its strength, durability, and translucent quality. Originated in China during the Tang Dynasty and became valued for its fine quality and aesthetic appeal. Was a symbol of wealth and sophistication, leading to its export to Europe and demand in international markets, especially along the Silk Road.

Shogun

A military dictator in Japan during the feudal period, functioning as a primary patron of the arts that blended samurai martial culture with aristocratic aesthetics.

Codex

A pre-Columbian or early colonial pictorial manuscript that allowed for easy access to specific information and facilitated the recording of a wide array of content, accompanied by illustrations and glyphs to enhance the reader’s understanding.

Coatlicue

Aztec earth goddess of life, death and rebirth, representing the dual nature of nature as both mother and destroyer. The snakes represent the blood (life-force) of the goddess flowing from her severed neck, which emphasizes the necessity of sacrifice to sustain the universe.

Quipu

Knotted strings used for record keeping, taxes, population numbers, stories, etc.

Wampum

Traditional art form of the Northeastern Woodlands, consisting of white and purple cylindrical beads crafted from clams and shells, used to record stories, treaties, and significant cultural events.

Santa Fe Indian School

Founded in 1932 by Dorothy Dunn Kramer in New Mexico. Shifted federal Indian education from strict assimilation to fostering a modern, stylized, and marketable form of traditional Native art in the form of flat, two-dimensional, tempera-based, paintings.

Sand painting

Native American art form particularly vital to Navajo healing rituals. Created and destroyed in a single day, usually after the curing ceremony is complete, to signify the temporary nature of life and prevent misuse of sacred power.

Bisj poles

Tall, carved wooden ancestor poles created by the Asmat people of southwestern New Guinea to honor recently deceased individuals. Used for mourning, appeasing spirits, and empowering warriors through stacked imagery of ancestors and phallic symbols. 

Wapepe charts

Small, square-shaped, handcrafted navigational tools from the Marshall Islands used for teaching and visualizing the currents and swells of the ocean.

Dot painting

Modern Australian Indigenous art form that emerged in the 1970s. Used to represent traditional "Dreamtime" stories (creation tales), sacred ceremonies, and aerial views of the landscape. Evolved from body painting and sand art. Conceals sacred details from outsiders.

Blolo Bla

A small wooden figure that represents a person's spouse from the spirit world. Resting point for a jealous or restless spirit spouse, mediating between the human world and the spirit world to bring good fortune to the owner.

Speaker’s Staff (Okyeame poma)

A highly decorated, carved wooden instrument used by Asante People as a symbol of authority, oratorical skill, and democratic process. Often features gilt figures that represent traditional Asante proverbs. Used to facilitate speeches and settle local disputes.

Kente

A sacred handwoven textile from the Asante People in Ghana, characterized by vibrant colors and geometric patterns inspired by spiderwebs. Historically worn as royal regalia.