Ancient Art Research Articles

A Multimodal Approach to Rapidly Documenting and Visualizing Archaeological Caves in Quintana Roo, Mexico

Abstract. Clearing and construction activities related to the Maya Train (Tren Maya) project resulted in potential and inevitable impacts to archaeological caves sites in largely undeveloped areas of Quintana Roo. An effort coordinated by Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) involved accelerated digital documentation of two caves – via SLAM-enabled mobile LiDAR scanning and targeted photogrammetry – to facilitate prompt visualization and evaluation of terrestrial and subterranean geospatial relationships. Mobile LiDAR is well suited to the challenges of capturing the complex, multilevel morphology of caves and was readily deployed across and through priority environments. Specific archaeological features – such as ancient Maya rock art and masonry shrines – were documented via photogrammetry, and the resulting higher-resolution models co-referenced with the georeferenced mobile LiDAR-generated point clouds of each cave and the surrounding topographic context. This integrative approach contributed to a more informed decision-making process, with respect to conservation and construction, and provided baseline data for future monitoring of the affected cave sites.

Symbolism throughout the ages in the Ancient Arts

Symbolism throughout the ages in the Ancient Arts

Evolution of Indian Classical Dance in the Context of Globalization

This paper explores the evolution of Indian classical dance in the context of globalization, examining how these ancient art forms have adapted to contemporary global influences. The study begins by tracing the roots and revival efforts of major styles such as Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and Odissi, highlighting their historical significance and regional variations. It then discusses the impact of globalization on these dances, focusing on their introduction to the global stage, adaptations, and fusions with other dance forms, and the role of the Indian diaspora in popularizing these dances abroad. The influence of technological advancements on teaching, performance, and preservation of Indian classical dance is analyzed, alongside the significance of cultural exchange and cross-cultural collaborations in enriching dance practices. The paper concludes by addressing the future challenges and directions for Indian classical dance, including the sustainability of traditional forms, the balance between authenticity and innovation, and shifts in audience demographics and interests. Through this comprehensive examination, the paper underscores the dynamic interplay between tradition and modernity in the globalization of Indian classical dance.

ROLE OF HOLISTIC EDUCATION PRACTICES TO ENRICH THE INDIAN KNOWLEDGE SYSTEM IN CONTEMPORARY EDUCATION

Education is the most powerful instrument to enhance and inculcate the BhartiyaKnowledge tradition in the 21st-century generation. This research article started with a brief introduction to the Knowledge System with special reference to India. The highlights are the foundation and principles of holistic education,the interrelationship between Indian knowledge andHolistic Education, and the contemporary education system. There is a total absence of moralvalues, ethical training, and knowledge of culture and tradition in the young generation which is also referred to as Generation Z(GenZ). This article focuses on the role of holistic education in spiritual awakening among the generations and learning from our ancient literature, art, and culture which ultimately enhance the panoramic development of human beings. An emphasis on the balance between traditional wisdom and contemporary educational approaches is the prerequisite. The focus on the holistic education practices that contribute to the enrichment of the Indian Knowledge Tradition showcases an integration of traditional wisdom and modern teaching methodologies. The role of the Bhartiya Knowledge Tradition in the Indian education system is a vital source of rejuvenating the strength of glorious ancient art, culture, and literature among learners studying at different levels of education.IndianKnowledgeTradition with the Holistic Education approach can regain the prestige of Bharat as Vishwa Guru all over the world once again.

Exploring the Impact of Neo-Confucianism on Material Art Through the Artistic Characteristics of Kesi in Song Dynasty

The Song Dynasty was a period of great development in ancient Chinese art, including material art. Kesi, a type of material art is taken as an instance to explore how Neo-Confucianism influenced the development of art during the Song dynasty, a period marked by new developments in thought and culture. Neo-Confucianism impacted not only the political realm but also the art of painting, and further had a significant influence on the composition, coloring, and techniques of silk textile. The ornamental kesi taperstry paintings of the Song dynasty as a material artistry, similar with the style of flower and bird paintings of the period, focused on the realistic depiction of objects, using silk as a substitute for the brush. With image analysis, historical document research, and the corroboration between documents and physical objects, this article elucidates the artistic characteristics of kesi (silk tapestry) under the influence of the "investigation of things to extend knowledge" philosophy in Song dynasty.

The face of Eurydice

AbstractEurydice could not come back to this world because Orpheus looked back at her. Persephone had forbidden this, but Orpheus disobeyed. Is there a logic for such a rule? A relief in the Archaeological Museum in Naples shows Orpheus looking at his wife after having removed a veil from her face, and the face of dead persons was a sensible element in ancient funerary art. We find two forms of hiding their face: by veiling it or by depicting the person but not the face, by leaving it unwrought. Euripides and several Roman sarcophagi depict Alcestis with her head veiled after her return to the house of her husband. On the other hand, some funerary busts from the necropolis of Cyrene show deceased women with their face flat and many sarcophagi of the Roman period are completely sculptured except the face of the buried person. The current explanation based on an untimely death cannot explain the large number of such cases; it would have been absurd to wait for the death of the customer before carving his or her portrait. There was a religious rule forbidding the vision of the face of dead persons, but it is impossible to ascertain what kind of people abided by this law and what religious stream forbade this.

On the Positive Impact of China’s Ancient Poetry and Art Songs on Vocal Music Education

Since introducing China’s ancient poetry and art songs into vocal music classes these years, the author has increasingly perceived their positive impact on vocal music education. The author is willing to record these feelings and share them with fellow educators. It is hoped that China’s ancient poetry and art songs will positively influence various fields and, on a broader scale, play an even more profound, positive and far-reaching role.

Design formulations to merge symbols of ancient Egyptian and Japanese art into textile printed hangings as an input for enriching the educational environment

Design formulations to merge symbols of ancient Egyptian and Japanese art into textile printed hangings as an input for enriching the educational environment

On the issue of the methodology of the study of petroglyphs of medieval architectural structures of the North Caucasus

The article is devoted to the problems of the methodology of the study of petroglyphs of architectural structures of the North Caucasus. The author considers methodological approaches to the interpretation of their semantics, taking into account the dual nature of petroglyphs of architectural structures, which, on the one hand, are a special cultural phenomenon with their pictorial traditions and a set of symbols, and, on the other, genetically go back to rock art, respectively, possessing the properties of rock paintings. The author believes that, interpreting the semantics of petroglyphs and their compositions, it is very important to take into account the historical context in which they were created and consider their significance in line with religious traditions relevant to the population of that era. According to the author, epic formulas or ideograms that originate in rock art play a special role in deciphering the meaning of petroglyphs of architectural structures, and in petroglyphs of architectural structures they acquire a specific character due to a narrow set of sacred symbols. The methodological basis of the research is a set of general historical, ethnographic and archaeological research methods, the use of which is determined by the nature of the material being studied. The author believes that, despite the difficulties of interpreting petroglyphs of architectural structures associated with the reconstruction of religious and mythological representations of the ancient population, it is a certain set of sacred symbols and their compositions, as well as epic formulas, that are the key to their deciphering. Petroglyphs of architectural structures have their origin in ancient rock art, which makes it possible to use in their research, including methodological techniques for studying rock paintings, the historiography of which has almost 150 years and a huge number of scientific monographs and articles. At the same time, the petroglyphs of medieval buildings in the North Caucasus possessed expressive self-sufficiency, which allowed the peoples of the region to use it to fix their religious, mythological and social traditions for transmission to the next generations.

A glimpse into the multifaceted life of Pandit Kabiraj Dr. Ananta Tripathy Sharma

Abstract The life and contributions of Pandit Kabiraj Dr. Ananta Tripathy Sharma, a luminary in the field of Ayurveda, unfold in a multifaceted narrative that encompasses his ancestral roots, educational journey, professional achievements, political endeavors, and enduring legacy. Born on February 10, 1905, in Jagannathapur Sasana, Odisha, Pandit Kabiraj Dr. Ananta Tripathy Sharma’s family lineage, deeply entrenched in Ayurvedic traditions, guided him toward a career dedicated to ancient healing art. In his early years, influenced by his grandfather, Pandit Kabiraj Dr. Ananta Tripathy Sharma’s commitment to Ayurveda became the cornerstone of his professional journey. His academic pursuits began in Sanskrit and culminated in the prestigious “Sahitya Shiromani” degree in 1925. However, it was his later immersion in Ayurveda that defined the trajectory of his life. Beyond academic achievements, Pandit Kabiraj Dr. Ananta Tripathy Sharma ventured into social reform, notably challenging the prevalent practice of child marriage. His collaboration with like-minded individuals led to the formation of the Sanskaraka group, advocating against early marriage for girls. Post-independence, their efforts bore fruit, contributing to the repeal of the Sarada Act 1929. His commitment to making Ayurveda accessible led to the establishment of dispensaries in different parts of Odisha and the expansion of the “Bheshaja Mandir,” a pharmacy established by him. His foray into politics, driven by a commitment to Ayurveda, saw him elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly and later as a Member of Parliament, where he championed the cause of Ayurveda at both state and national levels. A significant chapter in his legacy unfolded with the establishment of the Kaviraj Ananta Tripathy Sharma Ayurveda College and Hospital in Brahmapur. Driven by his unwavering commitment, he overcame challenges to realize his vision and the institution stands as a living tribute to his dedication to Ayurveda. His literary pursuits included impactful books in both Sanskrit and Odia, reflecting his versatile talents. Awards and distinctions adorned his illustrious career, recognizing his expertise in Ayurveda and literature. His principles, deeply rooted in Dharma, guided his approach to healing, emphasizing the importance of treating rich and poor patients alike. In his later years, despite his poor vision, Pandit Kabiraj Dr. Ananta Tripathy Sharma persisted in translating Ayurvedic texts for the benefit of future generations.

The relic and reliquary of St. John the Baptist in Siena (Italy) and their gems

Gems, especially from remote areas, were highly demanded and valued in Byzantine times, often used for sacred Imperial purposes. Because of their imperishable nature, they were often re-used over time and many of them passed, one way or another, from East to Western Europe. The history of the gems set in Byzantine relics that survived in medieval Europe is often impossible to reconstruct. The exceptional opening of the relics of St. John the Baptist in Siena, 200 years after the last inspection, has made it possible to study the magnificent gems that adorn it. Spinels, rubies, sapphires and other gems from oriental geographies, along with high quality glasses used together regardless of their monetary value, were identified in the relic and its reliquary case through gemological analysis and portable Raman spectroscopy, once again demonstrating the vital contribution of the trans-disciplinary approach in the study of ancient art goldworkings.

A miniature world: Revealing warring states period shell paintings from zhongshan state by multiple-methods

The use of shells as a medium for painting is an exceptionally rare discovery in archaeology, representing a art form that has been largely overlooked. In this study, we present two shell paintings of the Warring States period (476–221 BCE) discovered in Zhongshan State, Hebei, China. Employing various techniques, including microscopic observation, computed tomography (CT), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), multispectral imaging, and Raman spectroscopy, we non-destructively unveil the exquisite images obscured by soil and reveal the unparalleled shallow relief technique employed in their creation. The identified pigments for the different paintings include cinnabar, charcoal black, and malachite. These elaborate depictions offer insights into the costume, rituals, life, hierarchy, and art of the Warring States period. The meticulous use of prominent lines emphasizes color patches rather than the brushstrokes relied upon in later stereotypical Chinese painting, significantly reshaping previous notions about the early development of Chinese painting. This unique expression undoubtedly refreshes our understanding of early ancient art.

The Muse of Zenon: from Syracuse to the Museum of Guadalajara

AbstractThis article traces a statue, which Zenon of Aphrodisias carved, from Syracuse to its discovery at the Palace of Cogolludo in 2007. The study of this statue of the Muse Euterpe broadly demonstrates the appreciation for a figure from the classical world to Early Modern Europe and focuses attention on two understudied moments in the history of sculpture. It shows that Zenon carved the figure in the 4th c. CE, and its story reveals new connections between sculptors of Aphrodisias and specific patrons of the period. The statue's subsequent history attests to the high regard for ancient art and epigraphy in the Iberian Peninsula in 1500–1700. Since the statue probably belonged to Luis de la Cerda, ninth Duke of Medinaceli, it draws attention to a remarkable patron and a neglected aspect of Spanish cultural history.

A Multidimensional Exploration of the Visual Arts: History, Impact and Future Trends

This article explores the multidimensional nature of the visual arts, tracing their trends and challenges from antiquity to the present day. The article begins by defining the visual arts and emphasising their importance in reflecting and shaping human culture and society. The study aims to analyse the historical development of the visual arts, examining the origins and characteristics of ancient art, the artistic changes from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance, and the progress of modern art movements such as Impressionism and Expressionism. The research delves into key elements and techniques in the visual arts, including the use of colour, shape and line, and how these are used in different media such as painting, sculpture and digital art. The article discusses how style and subject matter express the artist's unique perspective and emotions, contributing to the richness of visual expression. In addition, the article analyses the far-reaching impact of visual art on society and culture, showing how art reflects and influences social change, as well as its role in education and social ideology, and explores the intersection of art and politics through examples of propaganda art and protest art. The article also examines contemporary trends and challenges facing the visual arts, in particular the integration of digital technologies and new media, the impact of globalization on artistic style and expression, and the continuing struggle in the contemporary art market between commercialisation and artistic values. In the concluding section, the article outlines the historical course of the visual arts and their importance in contemporary society, as well as providing an outlook on future trends in the visual arts. This comprehensive exploration underscores the enduring value and dynamism of the visual arts as a fundamental part of human history and an important channel for cultural and social evolution.

The Night Banquet of Han Xizai in the Perspective of Socio-Historical Criticism

The purpose of this article is to explore in depth the historical background, iconographic content, and its historical value and significance of Han Xizai's Night Banquet through the perspective of socio-historical criticism. The article firstly analyzes the socio-historical situation of the Five Dynasties period, especially the political and cultural background of the Southern Tang Dynasty, as well as the association between Han Xizai and the Southern Tang Dynasty royal family. Secondly, it provides a detailed pictorial interpretation of Han Xizai's Night Banquet in terms of its picture content and scene arrangement, character image and costume props, artistic style and presentation method. Finally, the historical value and significance of the painting are discussed. Han Xizai's Night Banquet not only reflects the social and political background of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, but also reveals the relationship between Han Xizai and the royal family of the Southern Tang Dynasty. With its fine brushwork style and unique narrative technique, the painting shows the prosperity of the court culture and the luxury of aristocratic life in the Southern Tang Dynasty. At the same time, the painting also has important value in art history, painting technique, cultural relics and collection history. As a precious historical document, The Night Banquet of Han Xizai not only helps to enrich our understanding of ancient history, but also enhances our appreciation of ancient art, and has certain reference value for historical and artistic research.

Through the Eyes of the Beholder: Motifs (Re)Interpreted in the 27th Dynasty

This paper aims to highlight examples of artistic motifs common throughout Egyptian history but augmented in novel ways during the 27th Dynasty, a time when Egypt was part of the Achaemenid empire and ruled by Persian kings. These kings represented themselves as traditional pharaohs within Egypt’s borders and utilized longstanding Egyptian artistic motifs in their monumental constructions. These motifs, however, were manipulated in subtle ways to send targeted messages to audience(s) of this art. Art historians tend to situate visual styles and motifs within the longue durée of artistic tradition and pick a singular, official, and centralized perspective to narrate the history and reception of that art. In the case of Egypt, this perspective is often that of the king, and there is an assumption that there was a monolithic message sent to his people. But we are not dealing with a homogenous people; a diverse population would have had varied reactions to and interpretations of this visual signaling. By highlighting both the augmentation of traditional motifs undertaken by the Achaemenid administration and the multiplicity of perspectives they held for their audience(s), we can better understand ancient art as being dynamic in function and interpretation, rather than as a static snapshot of carbon-copied royal authority.

Bacterial Communities on Degraded Prehistoric Rock Paintings in Maros-Pangkep Global Geopark

391 Bacterial Communities on Degraded Prehistoric Rock Paintings in Maros-Pangkep Global Geopark Nur Haedar1*, Muhammad Iqram1, Ambeng1, Yusriana2, Dody Priosambodo1, and Rustan Lebe3 1Biology Department, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Hasanuddin University, Makassar 90245 Indonesia 2Archaeology Department, Faculty of Cultural Science, Hasanuddin University, Makassar 90245 Indonesia 3Indonesian Heritage Agency, Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, Jakarta 10110 Indonesia The Maros-Pangkep karst region is a natural landscape located inside the UNESCO Global Geopark, extending across two regencies in South Sulawesi. There are at least 135 prehistoric caves, of which about 78 of them still have traces of relics in the form of rock paintings. One thing that has made this region renowned is the presence of the world’s oldest ancient rock painting, ca. 40,000 years old, in an ancient cave. Unfortunately, many paintings have been experiencing degradation marked by color changes and exfoliation, which are thought to be partially caused by the colonization of bacterial biofilms. The present study, therefore, aimed to delineate the bacterial diversity of biofilms present in ancient rock paintings. Samples were collected from three different caves in the region and analyzed using Oxford Nanopore Technology, sequencing the full-length 16S rRNA gene (V1–V9 regions). The results showed that Firmicutes was the dominant bacterial taxon in both Leang Jing and Leang Parewe, representing 95 and 82% of the total bacterial community, respectively. In Leang Bulu Sipong, we observed a high relative abundance of both Betaproteobacteria (30%) and Firmicutes (44%). Among the taxa detected, some genera – including Cupriavidus, Bacillus, Lysinibacillus, Paenibacillus, Geobacillus, and Pseudomonas – are linked to the carbonate precipitation and rock weathering, which could give a clue on the role of bacterial activities in corroborating the biodegradation on the ancient rock arts. Despite the result of microbial diversity in the rock paintings, it is necessary to do further study on the mechanism of degradation performed by the bacteria. This will support the effort of local authorities to conserve local heritage aged a thousand years.

On undying classicism and subverters of foundations

Directions (styles) in culture have different reserves of strength and different inertia. Among them there is a unique one capable of revival. It is classicism, which is characterized by a timeless understanding of the laws of harmony and beauty based on the forms and images of ancient art of Greece and Rome. Classicist thinking and classicism did not leave European culture in the 20th and 21st centuries, but its forms changed. The grafting of art nouveau, avant-garde and postmodernism into classical art and architecture did not pass without a trace. Antagonists shook the established norms and left, while classical art and architecture expanded the range of creative possibilities and revived, preserving the basic principles.

A Study to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Acupressure on Dysmenorrhea among Nursing Students at Shri Vinoba Bhave College of Nursing, Silvassa, Dadra and Nagar Haveli

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION Menstruation is the normal process that occurs in all healthy adult. Menstrual pain or dysmenorrhea is the pain in the lower abdomen before or during menstruation. India has one of the fastest growing youth populations in the world, with an estimated 190 million adolescents. Girls below 19 years of age comprising 21% of India’s total population. In India 67.2% adolescent girls suffer from dysmenorrhea and 60% of them have disrupted daily routines.The incidence of menstrual pain to women in the world is relatively high on the average of more than 50% in every country.Acupressure is an ancient healing art that uses fingers to press key points on the surface of the skin to stimulate body’s natural self-curative abilities. Acupressure release tension, increases circulation, reduces pain, and develops vibrant health, with a view to this; the study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of acupressure on dysmenorrhea among nursing student at Shri Vinoba Bhave College of Nursing, Silvassa. AIM Aim of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of acupressure on reduction of pain during menstruation among nursing students at Shri Vinoba Bhave College of Nursing, Silvassa, Dadra and Nagar Haveli. METHODOLOGY Quasi experimental, time series non-equivalent control group design with Non probability purposive sampling technique was used to select 60 nursing students, 30 experimental and 30 control group. Dysmenorrhea is assessed by WaLIDD scale. Tool was used for data collection were Numerical pain intensity scale, socio-demographic variable, baseline clinical data. Pretest was done before intervention in experimental group and control group. Acupressure therapy was given to experimental group and pain was assessed after 30 min, 60 min, and 120 min in both groups. RESULT Result shown that the mean score (8.10±0.84, 6.88±0.68, 6.49±0.69, 5.82±0.65) of experimental group is apparently lower than the mean score (8±0.83, 4.78±0.52, 3.83±0.47, 3.06±0.49) of control group except for the mean pretest score. The level of pain score status between the different time intervals pre and post observations in experimental group shows that the obtained F Value 207.2968(df=9) and the p value was 0.0001. the p value is <0.05 level of significance so it shows that statistical significance was very high in the experimental group respectively, compare than control group, hence research hypothesis (H1) is accepted and inferred that acupressure therapy is very effective in reducing the pain during menstruation and providing comfort. CONCLUSION Study proved that SP6 acupressure can be used as an effective intervention to decrease menstrual pain. Acupressure is a very effective means of decreasing dysmenorrhea. It can be assumed that applying acupressure with the same intensity for a shorter time is effective in reducing menstrual pain. KEY WORDS Acupressure, dysmenorrhea, complimentary and alternative therapy.

Число три в семиотике Ч.С. Пирса. К вопросу троичности

The number three refers to an important factor in the construction of the semiotics of Ch. S. Peirce. The number three is a kind of leitmotif of the theory. The whole construction of knowledge rests on primary, secondary and tertiary. Primary, secondary and tertiary are reduced to the three sides of Gottlob Frege’s triangle and appear in a different terminology as representative, object and interpretant. These ternary coordinates of thought are its space and embody, in the words of Yu. S. Stepanova, three-dimensional measurement of language. According to Ch. S. Pierce, these coordinates have a teleological meaning. The very concept of Ch. S. Pierce appears as the sum of three trichotomies, which allows twenty-seven combinations of signs, of which seventeen combinations are prohibited. Only ten combinations are allowed. The idea of trinity involves 310 sign complexes. Some of them are forbidden from the standpoint of logic. Thus, the index cannot serve as an argument. In the article, this is shown by the seating of subjects at a round table. The subject opposite appears to be on the right, but is actually opposite. The universality of the trinity appears as a reasoned code of semiotic construction. The triadic nature of the concept serves as the basis for constructing the laws of semiosis. Primary is iconic, secondary is indexical, and tertiary is symbolic. Questions of trinity arise as implementation of the narrative, when the first is the beginning, the second is the end, and the third is the middle. The concept of three as the middle goes back to ancient art. The paper proposes an individual measurement of the middle as the third element. The counting tradition of the Indo-European peoples and the number of signs of the formula “faith, hope, love” are taken as the basis. The rearrangement of the elements of the formula, when the third in a row – love – occupies the middle second position, goes back to the earliest uses of this formula. This is the original approach to proving the middleness of the third in the tradition of the Indo-European peoples.