Unit 1: The Functions of Artifacts

any object made by human beings Often artifacts are of interest to archaeologists because they say something about the social, religious or political times of the culture the artifact originated from. Artifact?

Students will consider artifacts that convey different themes (subjects), meanings, beliefs and values of people in various times and cultures. General Goal 1

The themes of life and death are treated through artifacts such as tomb paintings, fertility gods, masks and totems and guardian figures. Goal A

In the visual arts, a theme is a broad idea or a message expressed by a work, such as a performance, a painting, sculpture, or a motion picture. Life and the mysteries about what happens to us in the afterlife is a major theme in many cultures. Themes of Life and Death in Art

Ancient cultures often painted scenes in their tombs. The Etruscans were an ancient people that lived in what we now know as Italy. Etruscans painted their burial chambers with scenes reminiscent of fond activities during life, and scenes hopeful of a pleasant afterlife. Themes of Life and Death in Art – Tomb Tomb Paintings

Etruscan Tomb Paintings Egg – symbol of rebirth – similar to the Christian belief in Christ’s rebirth during Easter Many religions share similar beliefs through history

Egyptian Tomb Paintings This image shows a wealthy nobleman of Egypt hunting birds and animals – we can gather that this was a popular sport at the time from this artifact

This is the tomb of a pharoah – a leader in Egypt that was thought of as a God This is shown by the pharoah Having the head of an eagle This is the symbol of Horus one of the major gods of Egypt He also wears the crown of Egypt Often these tombs describe what will happen to the King in the afterlife Egyptian Tomb Paintings

This is known as the “Venus of Willendorf This statue is incredibly old – 25-30,000 years before Christ (BC) It was discovered in a cave near the town of Willendorf, Austria It is seen as a “Mother Goddess” artifact: “She” has very exaggerated breasts and pubic area “She” has red ochre coloring that archaeologist believe represents birth and the female cycle Themes of Life and Death – Fertility Gods

Before we can understand more about the “Venus of Willendorf,”we have to understand more about Pre-history and Hunter/Gatherer societies Pre-History is the time when mankind had not developed the written word yet – the only information we can gather about these times is through artifacts such as pottery, tomb paintings, sculptures, architecture, etc. Hunter/Gatherer societies are groups of people that were generally: Nomadic (meaning they moved around a lot because they needed to follow animals they hunted) They did not practice farming yet Generally had a very short lifespan “There is some variability among groups. Among traditional hunter/gatherers, the average life expectancy at birth varies from 21 to 37 years, the proportion surviving to age 45 varies between 26 percent and 43 percent” Function of the Artifact – Pre-History and Hunter/Gatherers

Due to the discovery of the Venus of Willendorf we can understand things about the pre-historic hunter/gatherer society that this artifact came from: The use of the figurine as a fertility god suggests the practice of religious ceremonies to ensure the success of the group Along with this comes a possible belief in magic if the figurine was intended to ensure hunting success. The society may have thus been more matriarchal rather than patriarchal. This means that leadership of the group descended from the female line rather than the male. Function of Venus Artifact

Ritual masks occur throughout the world, and although they are similiar, many different forms are made. The function of the masks may be believed to be magical or religious. The mask below is over 9000 years old and is considered the oldest existing mask in the world: Masks and Themes of Life and Death

African Masks There are a wide variety of masks used in Africa. In West Africa, masks are used in religious ceremonies performed to communicate with spirits and ancestors. African Masks and the Afterlife

Pacific Northwest First Nations Masks Pacific Northwest Coast masks were used in ceremonies and rituals. Specially trained dancers would wear these masks and act out stories or legends. Traditionally, the Northwest Coast mask maker does not sign his work, is always male and always of high status, and not necessarily an artisan only; he also hunted, fished and contributed to the community as well as practicing his art. Pacific Northwest Masks – Themes of Life and Legend

Dance masks were used in rituals to thank the gods, while other types of dance masks protected from bad spirits. Wedding masks were used to pray for good luck and a lasting marriage "Swallowing Animal" masks were associated with protecting the home and symbolised the "swallowing" of disaster. Chinese Masks – Life and the Afterlife

Totem poles may tell legends, or notable events. Some totem poles celebrate cultural beliefs, but others are simply artistic. Certain types of totem poles are part of mortuary structures, and incorporate grave boxes with carved supporting poles, or recessed backs for grave boxes. Poles illustrate stories that commemorate historic persons, or represent shamanic powers Totems and Themes of Life and the Afterlife

Raven - The mercurial trickster of Northwest Coast Native lore. Curious and mischievous, often misbehaving but never boring. Sea Turtle - This totem is representative of Mother Earth. Eagle - Intelligent and resourceful. He rules the sky and is able to transform himself into a human. Wolf - Very powerful totem who can help people that are sick or in need. Bear - A teacher symbol as it is believed that Bear taught the People to catch salmon and pick berries. Frog - Known for bringing wealth. In another myth, frog was held down in fire, when it burst lava flowed and engulfed an entire village. Owl - The owl is a very respected animal and is thought to symbolize the souls of the departed. Killer Whale - Whales are honored as strong and brave fish. The mythology of the killer whale is that is will bring food and assistance to a chief or other important person lying helpless and/or wounded. Totem Symbol Meanings

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