ARTS - 8

Elements, Principles and Characteristics of Arts and Crafts in South, West and Central Asia

Objective: After going through this learner’s material, you are expected to:

1. Analyze art elements

(color, line, shape, etc.) and principles (texture, proportion, emphasis, harmony, etc.) of arts in the production of arts and crafts inspired by the cultures of
South Asia, West Asia, and Central Asia. (A8EL-Ilb-1)

2. Identify characteristics of arts and crafts in specific countries in South, West, and Central Asia: India (rangoli, Katak, mednhi, Diwali); Saudi Arabia (carpet
design); Pakistan (truck art); and Tibet (mandala), etc. (A8EL-IIIa-2)

Introduction

The lesson in this module will let you discover the world of arts of South, West, and Central Asia wherein it focuses more on analyzing the art elements
(color, form, line, shape, space, and texture) and principles (balance, movement, pattern, rhythm, unity, and variety) in the production.

South Asia
Sculpture
During the sixth and fifth centuries B.C., two major religions were established in India. One was the faith founded by Prince Siddhartha (famously
acknowledged as Buddha, meaning “Enlighted One”) is called Buddhism. Due to the admiration of the Buddhists towards their God, the mortal remains of
Buddha were placed in a grave within relic mounds known as stupas with relief sculptures showing the life of Buddha as decorations. In India, symbols are
necessary to use to recognize a certain deity since all supernatural beings that are worshipped by Hindus and Buddhists are indistinct from all others because
of their idealized human bodies. It includes: (1) their attributes as means of their precise symbols, (2) Fire symbolizing harm, purging power like Agni, Lord of
Fire (3) Drums representing prime substance from which all the creation came, and (4) Snakes depicting renewal and abundance; positive and no connection
with evil.
Indian art is described as the most “sensuous” – appealing to the senses and “erotic” – with images about sexuality. Abstracted human shapes were
almost often the focus of Indian art, which was used to teach people about the Hindu, Buddhist, or Jain faiths. The nude was used to depict the body as a sign
of spirit as well as to show the gods' imaginary forms. Since the sculptures are thought of as forms that are more flawless and final than anything presents in
the merely transitory presence of human models, individuality is almost completely suppressed in Indian sculpture. Sculpted Hindu divinities' various heads and
weapons were thought necessary to represent the gods' several qualities of strength. Sculpture, mainly as a form of religious art, continues to be a common
medium for artistic expression in India. Buildings were lavishly decorated, with abstracted human figures illustrating Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain beliefs. Indian
sculpture often featured female deities such as Shakti, Kali, and Brahma.
Architecture
The majority of the surviving Indian kingdom architecture is religious. Many of these buildings (for example, temples and monasteries) are examples of
rock-cut architecture, which means they were carved out of a solid natural rock (typically into cliffsides). All three big religions practiced rock-cut architecture.
With the development of Islamic states as South Asia's dominant powers (ca.1200-1800), Indian art was influenced by Islam, resulting in a hybrid aesthetic
known as Indo-Islamic art, which flourished to varying degrees in South and Southeast Asia. Architecture and manuscript illumination were the most brilliant
manifestations. The Taj Mahal, a mausoleum (with a mosque design) made of glimmering white marble, is considered the masterpiece of Indo-Islamic
architecture. The mausoleum stands out among the smaller flanking towers, which are often made of red sandstone. This entire building complex is often
referred to as the "Taj Mahal."
Painting
Manuscript painting is a relatively new medium in South Asia, dating back to the last centuries of the Indian kingdom era; however, it was not until the
Islamic period (ca.1200-1800) that this art form truly flourished. This was mainly because paper became widely available in South Asia during the Islamic
period. Until then, manuscript painting has been done on palm leaves, which made for uncomfortable painting surfaces (given their irregular shape, size, and
texture). There are outlined regions of flat color and several decorative designs in Islamic illumination (e.g. clothing patterns, repeated foliage textures). This
approach is combined with the shaded contours of Indian wall art in Indo-Islamic lighting. However, the appearance of Indian figures is the most evident Indian
aspect of Indo-Islamic illumination (i.e., figures with distinctively Indian features and clothing). Art in South Asia is relevant as it also represents their countries’
beliefs. These artworks are often used for representing their ancient history and worshipping gods and goddesses hence, artists are devoted to making them in
detail. Art elements such as shape, form, and texture can be usually observed with their artistry.
Floor Design
Rangoli patterns are made of rice flour, chalk, fine quartz powder, flower petals, seeds, or other natural materials dyed with vegetable dyes and are
normally drawn on the surface. These exquisite floor designs are normally created by drawing and connecting plain dots or lines. The majority of the motifs are
geometric or resemble the flora and fauna. During special events such as weddings, temple rituals, and festivals, women create more intricate patterns.
The women expect that the day will bring them peace, health, good luck, and happiness by doing this regular rite. Rangoli, also known as a 'Sand Mandala,' is
known by many names in India, including Kolam, Alpana, Muggulu, and Rangavalli. Rangoli is created for a specific occasion or moment. Its freshness, like that
of a flower, is fleeting. To the uninitiated, the Rangoli art's impermanence may seem to be a candle in the sky. It is deleted until its function has been fulfilled,
and the ritual is performed with the same motive and passion.
West Asia
Arts testify to the dissemination and influence of cultural ideas, such as Islam and Buddhism, and cultural art styles, such as Hellenistic architecture,
Buddhist sculpture, chinoiserie (in Persian art), and ceramic-tile decoration. Cross-cultural associations with the arts of these regions may be rendered more
readily to the arts of the ancient Mediterranean, medieval Europe, and South, East, and Southeast Asia. West Asia is the birthplace of arts produced in areas
where Islam is the prevalent culture. These works of art may be religious or secular, and they may have been created by or by Muslims. These various art styles
can be referred to as "Islamic Art." In terms of material and visual features, many depictions of Islamic art from traditional Islamic lands have a lot in common.
West Asian arts and crafts are Islamic art. Due to the forbiddance of worshipping idols in Islamic religious law, this style of art uses designs and patterns of
geometry and floral. Including figures of humans and animals in an artwork felt like idolatry for the artists instead of honoring their god, Allah. “Arabesque”
(also known as Islimi, Biomorphic Art) is the commonly used pattern by Islamic artist. This pattern uses leaves and flowers and is commonly found in wooden
carvings, textiles, stone reliefs on buildings, and decorated books. The rhythmic waves that define the arabesque style also suggest an eternal
architecture with no beginning or end. The growth of leaves, trees, or other motifs from one another rather than a single stem is one of the contributing factors
to the arabesque's endless pattern. Interlacing geometric and other decorative designs areoften used in Arabesque. The flora may have evoked themes of
heaven, which is represented as a garden in the Qur'an, while the geometry may have evoked the diversity in the unity of God's creation or the complexity of
mathematics in Islamic lands. Islimi is used in the book arts to illuminate calligraphic headings and shamsahs (little suns), which are palmettes that separate
text verses. It is most wellknown for being interwoven with geometric shapes to produce stunning frontispieces (the first page of the Quran). Ornate ceramic,
marble, plaster, and wood-carved friezes all have islimi as a main architectural element. Islimi patterns can also be used on household items like
utensils, clothes, and carpets. West Asia is rich in cultural heritage. This is evident in the variety of regional arts and crafts lively and finely made by their
creative hands. The movement and rhythm in their artwork show their unique cultural identity.
Central Asia
The ancient ways of indigenous architecture in Central Asia were brought back in the 18th century such as baked or unbaked brick construction, caved
doors and screens, openwork, and a lot more. Originated in Central Asia, the art was created by mainly Turkic peoples of modern Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan,
Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, Mongolia, Tibet, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and parts of China and Russia. The present centuries of arts were
mostly influenced by Islamic art while the art of China, Persia, and Greece, including the animal style of nomadic people influenced the earlier cultures. This folk
art of nomads can be immediately found as they are one of those everyday items such as clothes, woven bags, rugs, ornate silver bridles, stringed instruments,
carpets, and a lot more. They also feature some designs of the animals they have encountered on the mountains and steps. Shyrdak (felt rugs with
appliqued colored panels), ala-kiyiz (pressed wool designs), tush-kiyiz (cotton or silk wall carpets), and Kyrgyz-embroidered felt carpets with traditional
Turkmen designs are all common in Kyrgyzstan. Kyrgyz leather saddles and silver jewelry are also made. Shyrdaks are typically manufactured in the summer
from felt (pounded and layered wool) that has been dried and dyed many times before being sewn together with camel-hair yarn. Cutting away upper layers to
expose various colored felt underneath creates patterns. The ibex horn pattern, plant patterns, and decorative scrollwork are all common motifs. Shyrdak
carpets have historically been among a Kyrgyz family's most valued possessions. They are an essential part of a girl's dowry. The stitching— shyryk
(which gives birth to the term shyrdak)— is one of the most important features of these carpets, since it increases the carpet's longevity. The stitching creates a
pattern within the felt by following the outline drawn on the carpet. A shyrdak is around 1.5 meters by 3 meters in height, making it easy to handle. Central
Asia’s arts and crafts are influenced by their past. It has been closely tied to it that they are even known for their nomadic people’s skills which brought them
to where they are today. Their choice of colors, patterns, and creativity in incorporating the different lines and shapes permit them to make varieties of their
products.
South Asian Arts
South, West, and Central Asia show strong sense of design in their modern and traditional forms of arts. They exhibit ornate, intricate, and colorful motifs
in their artworks that can be seen in their rangoli, mehndi and diwali (India), carpet design (Saudi arabia), truck art (Pakistan), and mandala (Tibet).

India
Rangoli
Rangoli, which is believed to bring good luck, is an art form that originated in the Indian subcontinent. Patterns are created on the ground or floor with the
use of colored rice, dry flour, colored sand or flower petals. It is normally made for Hindu festivals like Diwali or Tihar, Onam, Pongal in the Indian subcontinent.
The term Rangoli is composed of two words: rang meaning ‘color’ and ‘aavalli’ meaning ‘colored creepers’ or ‘row of colors’. Designs vary as they are
reflections of unique traditons and practices of each area and this practice is usually showcased in celebration of milestones like marriage, festivals, etc.
Traditionally, Rangoli designs are done by women. Rangoli designs may be simple patterns like geometric shapes, deity impressions, or flower and petal shapes
depending on the given celebrations, or more intricate ones that are made by several people. The base is typically dry or wet-powdered rice or dry flour, to
which sindooram (vermilion), pasupu (turmeric) and different herbal colors may be added. Chemical shades are a contemporary variation

Katak
The word ‘kathak’ comes from ‘katha’ which means ‘story’. Of the eight classical dance forms in India, Kathak is the only one that comes from the northen
part of India and developed under the influence of both Hindu and Muslim cultures. It is characterized by complex footwork and precise rhythmic patterns that
the dancers articulated. It had its origin as a folk dance where Kathak dancers (both male and female) moved from one village to another telling stories of what
they had seen and passed on information from one segment of society to another. Usually, many of the dances convey moods of love.

Mehndi
Mehndi is a form of body art that originated in ancient India. It is a temporary form of skin decoration that is most popular in South Asia, the Middle East,
as well as expatriate communities from these areas. It is usually done for celebrations and special occasions, particularly weddings. Design is painted on a
person’s body using a paste that was created from the powdered dry leaves of the henna plant (Lawsonia inermis) a small shrub found in the hot climates of
India, Pakistan, and Middle Eastern countries.
It remains a famous form of body art among women. Henna is applied on their hands and feet and sometimes on the back of their shoulders, where the design
will be clearest due to contrast with the lighter skin on these surfaces. Alta, Alata, or Mahur is a purple dye used in addition to Henna to color the toes of the
brides in a few areas of India. For men, however, it is applied on their arms, legs, back, and chest.
Diwali
Diwali or Divali, is one of the main religious festivals in Hinduism. It lasts for five days from the 13th day of the dark half of the lunar month Ashvina to the
second day of the light half of Karttika, which in the Gregorian calendar is in late October and November. Diwali is derived from the Sanskrit word dipavali,
which means “row of lights,” which can be lit at the new-moon night to ask the presence of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth so each family burns diwali clay
lamps (diyas) to light the way for the goddess.
The festival generally symbolizes the victory of light over darkness. In Bengal, however, the goddess Kali is worshipped, and in north India, the festival also
celebrates Rama’s (along with Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuman) return to the town of Ayodhya after defeating Ravana, the 10-headeking of the demons, where
Rama’s rule of righteousness commences. In South India, the festival marks Krishna’s defeat of the demon Narakasura. Some celebrate Diwali as a
commemoration of the marriage of Lakshmi and Vishnu, while others observe it as the birthday of Lakshmi. It is considered as the most beautiful of all Indian
festivals, a celebration of lights. All this illumination and fireworks, joy and festivity, signify the victory of divine forces over those of wicked.
Pakistan
Truck Art
In Pakistan, truck art has become a cultural tradition, which features decorations that may involve intricate paintings, structural changes, and ornamental
décors using mirrors and woods for the roof, doors, and windows of the truck. These trucks, painted with various images like landscapes, personalities, etc.,
have become moving exhibits across Pakistan. Cargo trucks painted in bright colors, with an extremely intricate level of detail, are a common sight on the the
highways of Pakistan. The painting – often coupled with lines of poetry, religious calligraphy or common phrases – represent the truck driver's identity and
regional background. The images on the trucks embody a wide range of themes, including landscapes, celebrities, beautiful women, mythical creatures,
religious imagery and national heroes.
West Asian Arts
West Asia is rich in cultural heritage, and this is clearly shown in the variety and quality of regional forms of arts and crafts.
Saudi Arabia
Carpet Design
For the countries in Central Asia, carpet is a symbol of a family’s wealth and prosperity; therefore, is always included in presents given to young people at
their weddings. The carpet is highly esteemed in the East adorning the walls and the floors of residential houses. A carpet is a textile floor covering, which
typically consists of an upper layer of pile attached to a backing. Many Arabian carpets include a field of interlocking geometric shapes in their design. Another
aspect that is frequently observed in the design is Arabic calligraphy. A medallion carpet, similar to ones seen commonly in Persia, can also be found on
occasion. The Arab League is made up of several countries with a diversified geography. Multiple cultural influences from local designs and traditions may be
seen in a lot of the artwork from the region.
Central Asian Arts
This refers to the literary, performing, and visual arts of a large portion of Asia embracing the Tibet. As used here, the term denotes only those traditions
that were not influenced by the religion of Islam.

Mandala
A mandala is a symbolic diagram that is utilized in the performing of religious rites and as a meditative tool. The mandala is a symbol that acts as a
receptacle for the gods and a collection point for global forces. It is a symbol of the universe, which was originally used to represent wholeness and a model for
the organizational structure of life itself, a cosmic diagram that shows the relation to the infinite and the world that extends beyond and within minds and
bodies. Mandala is a sacred space often a circle which reveals inner truth about you and the world around you. Throughout mandalas, common symbols can be
found within their intricate circular designs.
Traditionally, they depict the Buddha's mind in an abstract shape, such as a wheel, tree, flower, or jewel. The symbol in the center is a dot, which is a sign with
no dimensions. It is seen as the beginning of contemplation and devotion to the divine. The dot is then surrounded by lines and mathematical patterns that
depict the universe, all of which are encircled by the outer circle, which reflects life's cyclical nature. The wheel with eight spokes, bell, triangle, lotus flower,
and sun are all common symbols in mandalas.
Written Work Activity 1

Directions: Choose the letter of the correct answer. Write your answer 9. Of the artworks listed below, which would NOT have been originated
on a separate sheet of paper. in South, Central, and West Asia?
A. Batik
1. What festival do Hindus in India celebrate where it is considered an B. Diya
exciting and colorful holiday? C. Shyrdaks
A. Chinese New Year D. Truck art
B. Diwali 10. Which art forms focus on the creation of works which are primarily
C. Sinulog visual?
D. White Day A. Modern Art
2. The art of Central Asia was mostly influenced by _____________. B. Pop Art
A. Chinese Art C. Sculpture
B. Hindu Art D. Visual Arts
C. Islamic Art 11. Which of the following is an example of the contribution of Moguls to
D. Philippine Art the enrichment of Indian culture in painting and architecture?
3. What art form in India that uses natural materials such as rice flour, A. Arabesque
fine mquartz powder, flower petal, seeds and normally drawn on the B. Rangoli
surface? C. Shyrdak
A. Arabesque D. Taj Mahal
B. Diwali 12. What set of principles is concerned with the nature and appreciation
C. Pashmina of beauty, especially in art?
D. Rangoli A. Aesthetics
4. What Asian art that their various art styles can be referred to as B. Appreciation
Islamic Art? C. Balance
A. East Asian art D. Harmony
B. Central Asian art 13. Why does Diwali is also called as “Festival of Lights”?
C. South Asian art A. Fireworks light up the sky.
D. West Asian art B. Flowers bloom during nighttime.
5. It is described as the most sensuous form of art – appealing to the C. Ornaments are everywhere.
senses and erotic – with images about sexuality. D. Plants are harvested.
A. Indian art 14. Historically, what have been the most valued possessions among a
B. Kazakhs art Kyrgyz family?
C. Persian art A. Manuscript painting
D. Turkish art B. Sculptures
6. The stupa is the most distinctive type of Buddhist architecture. Which C. Shyrdak carpets
of the following is the main feature of a stupa? D. Stupas
A. A large dome supported by corbelled stones. 15. Which of the following symbols were NOT used to recognized certain
B. A vertical ornament framed in a triangular enclosure. deity that are worshipped by Hindus and Buddhists?
C. A roof is usually used to close the dome. A. Fire symbolizing harm, purging power
D. Pool inside the dome. B. Dove symbolizing peace and tranquility
7. Why do Islamic art limits only to using designs and patterns of C. Drums representing prime substance from which all the creation
geometry and floral? came
 A. Because they like geometry and adores flowers. D. Snakes depicting renewal and abundance; positive and no connection
B. Due to the forbiddance of worshipping idols in Islamic religious law. with evil
C. Due to the passing of art techniques from their ancestors.
D. No apparent reason.
8. Rangoli, also known as a “Sand Mandala” known by many names
except
A. Alpana
B. Islimi
C. Muggulu
D. Rangavalli

Performance Work

Activity 2. Based on the characteristics and information you gathered from the topic, you will create your own design of rangoli in an A4 bond paper. You may
use different colouring materials. (Rubrics in rating the artwork is shown below.)

Activity 3. With the use of your rich imagination, make or create a drawing similar Pakistan’s truck art that shows finest art among their vehicle. You may use
any colouring materials of your choice in A4 bond paper.

RUBRICS IN RATING YOUR ARTWORK

Criteria Very Good Good Fair Poor TOTAL
(20pts) (15pts) (10pts) (5pts)
Craftsmanship/ Skill The artwork shows The artwork shows The artwork shows The artwork shows
excellent average below average poor craftsmanship
craftsmanship and craftsmanship and craftsmanship and and no attention to
attention to details. attention to details. attention to details. details.
Design The artwork The artwork The artwork The artwork lacks
demonstrates demonstrates good demonstrates poor thoughtful design.
excellent use of use of color. The choice of color. The
color. The design is design is relatively design is difficult to
easy to understand easy to understand understand and is
and is visually and is somewhat confusing.
compelling visually compelling
Attractiveness The mandala is The mandala is The mandala is The mandala is
exceptionally attractive in terms of acceptably attractive distractingly messy
attractive in terms of design, layout and though it may be a or very poorly
design, layout and neatness. bit messy. designed. It is not
neatness. attractive.
Total Points