Jeremy Velasco's Art History Blog

 https://smarthistory.org/aksumite-coins/     Coins are uniquely significant and give us a greater insight into the history of Aksum. These coins are said to be significant not only because they provided evidence of a form of currency in Aksum but also because they depicted its rulers. The way these coins were inscribed has given us insight into the fact that Aksumites were both knowledgeable and literate people.       Early indicators suggested the main use of these coins was for trade internationally. The earliest coins were struck in gold and silver and followed weight standards established by the Roman Empire. These coins represented King Endybis (c. 270-290 C.E.) and symbols such as the crescent and disc were said to represent the religion of southern Arabia, to which Aksuma was accustomed to.  Aksumite gold coin. Bust represents King Endubis, triangular ribbon behind, wrapped in wheat. King Ezana took power in 340 C.E and brought along Christianity to the people of Africa. The ki

 https://smarthistory.org/japan-jomon-heian/      The Jomon period, between c.10,500 - c. 300 B.C.E, was Japan's Neolithic Period. The term neolithic is most commonly used in connection with agriculture and this is the case because during this time period many people obtained food by gathering, fishing, and hunting. It was also during this time period that the concept of crop cutivation and animal domestication was introduced.Similar to many other Neolithic cultures around the world, it was the women who were responsible for the earliest pottery and works of art with clay.  "Flame-rimmed" deep bowl from middle Jomon Period     This pottery was constructed from the bottom up using coils of wet clay mized with other natural materials suchs as mica or even seashells. From there, the pots are smoothed, both inside and out, using unique geometric patterns for decoration. Many of these decorations were achieved by pressing rope or cord against the still wet, malleable clay. Pot

https://smarthistory.org/japan-jomon-heian/      The Asuka period was Japan's first historical period. What made the Asuka period different from previous prehistoric periods (Jomon period, Yayoi period, and Kofun period.) was the introduction of writing from China and Korea. The introduction of written language was extremely influential on this time period because it introduced not only writing, but also a standardized measuring system, a new currency in the form of coins, and the practice of historical record keeping. Eventually, these things would lead to the creation of a centralized and bureaucratic government modeled after the Chinese.      The Asuka period was also the time when Buddhism was introduced to Japan. This would significantly change Japanese culture and society because it differed from the traditional, indigenous religion of Japan, Shinto or "way of the gods". Shinto is a relatinship with nature that represent important spirits with shrines in nature. Bef

https://smarthistory.org/the-stupa/     The stupa looks like a hemisphere or semi-circle and it is meant to represent the burial mound of the Buddha (founder of Buddhism) and a resting place for his relics. Some stupas also held the relics of other great Buddhist teachers and important monks. Interestingly enough, a stupa can also take the form of a small container or reliquary. These stupas were made to contain the ashes of a person, very similar to what we know today as a urn.    The Great Stupa, located near the village of Sanchi in India was constructed nearly two thousand years ago. More recently though there have been additions to the exterior, four gateways were added that mark cardinal direction. The Great Stupa's exterior is undecorated , but the gateways are carved with elaborate scenes, figures, and narratives. While these gateways contain so many narratives, Buddha is never once depicted in human form but it is said that he is represented by various symbols in almost ev

https://smarthistory.org/angkor-wat/      Angkor Wat is a grand temple located in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Angkor Wat, when translated from Khmer (the official language of Cambodia) means "city temple" and is the largest religious monument in the world.       Angkor Wat has a lot of history and religious meaning. The Hindu religion has three principal gods in the Hindu pantheon; Shiva, Brahma, and Vishnu. The temple is said to be dedicated to the Hindu God Vishnu, also known as the "Protector". Angkor Wat began construction in 1113 C.E. and was built by King Suryavarman II. The king, whos name translates to "protector of the sun" was thought to be laid to rest here after death, meaning the temple was not only the home of the Hindu God Vishnu, but also the mausoleum of King Suryavarman II.       Khmer kings often had to legitimize their claim to political office by building temples. This was also a way to claim the protection and powers of the gods, by building

https://smarthistory.org/viking-art/ Vikings, contrary to the way they are depicted in modern film, belonged to a group of peoples called the Norse who were merchants, farmers, and craftsmen. The Viking Age which took place from 8th century to 11th century led people from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden to sail the globe.  Visuals were of great importance to the Norse. Objects were created from highly-skilled craftspeople such as woodworks and blacksmiths. Materials such as metal, stone, ivory, and even bone have been recovered from pieces of Norse art.  Many Norse objects were created with both practical and symbolic purposes. Imagery in the art was created to communicate ideas about social religions, religious beliefs, and even to tell mythical tales.  Viking art is distinct from other cultures as it represents a unique way of thinking about the world.  The pictures about show carvings of the stern of Oseberg's ship. Each section of the stern is carved in a unique style that is disti