ARTH 100-Lecture 3 Art of the Near East 1

Overview of Ancient Near East Art and Architecture

  • Study of ancient Near East art follows prehistoric art and architecture.

  • Geographic region of Mesopotamia, significant in ancient cultures.

  • Focus on religious life and political aspects of Sumerian and Acadian cultures.

Recap of Prehistoric Art and Architecture

  • Prehistory refers to before recorded history.

    • Divided into two main periods: Paleolithic and Neolithic.

    • Paleolithic: characterized by hunter-gatherer societies and portable art (e.g., Venus figurines).

    • Neolithic: marked by settled agricultural societies and monumental architecture (e.g., Stonehenge).

    • Key focus: Lack of historical documentation limits interpretation of artworks.

    • Contextual aspects include materials, techniques, and potential functions of artworks.

Transition to the Ancient Period

  • The ancient period began around 2,300 years before the Common Era (BCE).

  • Development of written records: provides insight into various cultures.

  • Rise of civilizations: Mesopotamia, Egypt, Harappa each with complex social structures and impressive artworks.

Mesopotamia as a River Valley Civilization

  • Mesopotamia: means 'land between the rivers' (Tigris and Euphrates).

  • Significant for agriculture: wheat, barley, sheep, goats facilitated sustenance.

  • Home to the first major cities and empires, including the Sumerians and Assyrians.

    • Sumerians noted for early innovations: cuneiform writing and urban city-states.

  • Cultural and legal advancements: earliest written laws and literature (Epic of Gilgamesh).

Sumerian Culture and Organization

  • Structure of Sumerian society: city-states with individual rulers and governments.

  • Theocratic political system: rulers as divine representatives.

  • Religion: polytheistic beliefs with gods representing natural phenomena.

    • Major deities include Anu (sky), Inanna (love and war), Nanna (moon), and Uta (sun).

Ziggurats as Central Architectural Structures

  • Ziggurats: stepped pyramidal structures central to Sumerian society.

    • Function: bridge between earthly and divine realms, centers of political and economic life.

  • Focus on Ziggurat of Ur (circa 2100 BCE):

    • Constructed of mud bricks; featured 3 monumental staircases plus more leading to a temple.

    • Commissioned by King Namu for the goddess Nanna.

    • Extensive resources and labor used for its construction.

Sumerian Art: Cult and Votive Statues

  • Cult images and votive statues were essential in Sumerian worship.

    • Cult image: embodiment of deities for worship in temples.

    • Votive statues: representations of worshipers, made for offering and devotion.

    • Prominent example: The mask of Waraca, likely representing Inanna from around 3100 BCE.

  • Characteristics of votive statues:

    • Standardized poses and facial expressions reflecting devotion.

    • Materials: limestone, alabaster, gypsum, some featuring inscriptions for dedications.

Functions of Art and Architecture in Sumer

  • Art and architecture served multiple functions: religious, political, economic.

    • Ziggurats as symbols of power and divine authority.

    • Votive statues and cult images aimed at honoring gods and ensuring divine favor.

  • The connection between humanity and deities emphasized through human-like representations of gods.