The Natural World: Challenging the Lens of Eurocentricity by Liz

The Natural World: Challenging the Lens of Eurocentricity by Liz https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0 Across the world, museums are filled with relics that are reminiscent of a colonialist and Eurocentric world that has long since passed. The importance of showcasing art from a historically accurate perspective, and not just that of straight, white, Christian individuals is important in order to see a true perspective of art in human history. en-us 2023-05-06 18:38:12 UTC 2023-05-07 02:56:41 UTC hello@padlet.com The Ibis pimental1923 https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580498856 Artist: Unknown
Date: 664-30 B.C. (Late Period-Ptolemaic Period)
Location: Egypt
Current Location: Metropolitan Museum of Art, not currently on view

This particular statue was a representation of many other statuettes that were created and buried in catacombs throughout Egypt. The statue is made of copper and the tail feathers are made of wood, which was typical for the time period and for Egyptian statuary.]]> 2023-05-06 19:11:58 UTC https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580498856 The Hippopotamus pimental1923 https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580502193 Artist: Unknown
Date: 1961–1878 B.C. (12th Dynasty)
Location: Mir, Egypt, the Tomb of Senbi II
Current Location: Metropolitan Museum of Art

The hippopotamus was a common figure of rebirth in ancient worlds, and it was supposed to ensure the rebirth of the person whose tomb it was in. This particular figurine, named “William,” has lotus flowers painted on it, which represent the natural habitat of the Nile River. As lotus flowers open and bloom all over the hippo, it is meant to represent the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. The material is a ceramic material made of ground quartz known as faience, which was considered to be magical and specifically filled with the power of rebirth.

]]> 2023-05-06 19:21:14 UTC https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580502193 The Head of a Cat pimental1923 https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580505997 Artist: Unknown
Date: 664–30 B.C. (Late Period–Ptolemaic Period)

Location: Egypt
Current Location: Metropolitan Museum of Art, not currently on view

The Egyptian goddess Bastet held the cat in high regard, and it was commonly presented in sanctuaries and laid to rest in animal necropoleis across Egypt. This particular feline boasted striking characteristics, such as sizable, deeply-set eyes and prominent cheekbones. The hairs in its ears and whiskers beneath the nose are intricately marked with numerous, closely-incised lines. Additionally, both of its ears were punctured and were likely adorned with gold or jewel earrings. This is most likely the head of a statuette that held a mummified cat, similar to the human sarcophagi seen throughout Egyptian history.

]]> 2023-05-06 19:32:10 UTC https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580505997 Religion and the Perception of the Natural World pimental1923 https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580509503 While European influence has shown the role of the natural world through its art, there is also a significant difference in the perception of the natural world, which has partially religious and economic causes. Many European religions developed in urban or agricultural societies where the natural world was seen as something to be tamed and controlled, rather than something to be revered or worshiped. Many non-European cultures, such as indigenous or ancient peoples, believed that the natural world held unique and magical properties, thus reflecting not only cultural but religious differences that have been highlighted through art. ]]> 2023-05-06 19:41:01 UTC https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580509503 Amulet of a Walking Ram pimental1923 https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580514455 Artist: Unknown

Date: 400–30 BC (Ptolemaic Period)

Location: Egypt

Medium: Glass

Current Location: Metropolitan Museum of Art

]]> 2023-05-06 19:55:00 UTC https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580514455 pimental1923 https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580516184 Ancient Egyptians believed different gods and goddesses were oftentimes depicted by different animals, as they may have shared intrinsic traits or been allegorical figures in stories of oral and written tradition. Thoth, the Egyptian god of writing, accounting, and all things intellectual, was oftentimes depicted as either an ibis or a baboon. He was also oftentimes depicted as having a human body with the head of an ibis. ]]> 2023-05-06 20:00:07 UTC https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580516184 Figure of a Baboon pimental1923 https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580525681 Artist: Unknown
Date: 664–525 B.C. (Late Period)

Location: Mit Rahina, Egypt

Medium: Faience
Current Location: Metropolitan Museum of Art

]]> 2023-05-06 20:25:21 UTC https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580525681 Striding Thoth pimental1923 https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580526583 Artist: Unknown
Date: 332-30 B.C.

Location: Egypt

Medium: Faience
Current Location: Metropolitan Museum of Art

]]> 2023-05-06 20:28:25 UTC https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580526583 See: Ancient Egyptian Wooden Sculptures pimental1923 https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580530775 2023-05-06 20:40:51 UTC https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580530775 See: More on William the Hippo! pimental1923 https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580533378 2023-05-06 20:49:46 UTC https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580533378 Pendant pimental1923 https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580541988 Artist: Unknown
Date: 800-700 B.C.
Location: Luristan, Iran
Current Location: Metropolitan Museum of Art, not on view

A bronze depiction of a goat, this pendant was likely a piece of jewelry worn to ward off the devil and evil spirits. In Persian culture, the goat was a symbol of the angel that protected their people from harm. ]]> 2023-05-06 21:18:42 UTC https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580541988 pimental1923 https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580542607 2023-05-06 21:20:58 UTC https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580542607 Head of a Bull or Bison pimental1923 https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580543647 Artist: Unknown
Date: 2000-1600 B.C. (Old Babylonian)

Location: Mesopotamia

Medium: Ceramic, paint
Current Location: Metropolitan Museum of Art, not on view

]]> 2023-05-06 21:24:11 UTC https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580543647 Vessel with Six Animal Friezes pimental1923 https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580545758 Date: 10th-8th century B.C. (Iron Age II)

Location: Northwestern Iran

Current Location: Metropolitan Museum of Art, not on view

This vessel was formed by using bronze sheets that were riveted together in the middle. The vessel depicts six registers of birds, trees, and various other horned animals. They were hammered in the repoussé technique, and the design implies that eastern Greek potters may have been familiar with techniques and vessels such as this one.

]]> 2023-05-06 21:32:50 UTC https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580545758 See: Repousse Technique in Action! pimental1923 https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580548518 2023-05-06 21:42:09 UTC https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580548518 Netsuke of Monkey with One Hand over Mouth, the Other Behind His Back pimental1923 https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580550683 Artist: Miwa
Date: 1700-1800
Location: Japan
Current Location: Metropolitan Museum of Art, not on view

This Japanese netsuke depicting a monkey is made of ebony with an ivory inlay. Its purpose was to bring good luck, and it was either worn in the fold of a kimono or at the end of the kimono's sash.

]]> 2023-05-06 21:50:04 UTC https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580550683 Ganesha pimental1923 https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580551419 Artist: Unknown
Date: 500-600

Location: Pialma, Xinjiang, China

Medium: Stucco with traces of color
Current Location: Metropolitan Museum of Art

]]> 2023-05-06 21:53:29 UTC https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580551419 pimental1923 https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580553428 Similar to depictions of Egyptian deities, Hindu deities were also oftentimes depicted as having the head or features of an animal. The symbol of Ganesha's elephant head goes deep into Hinduism's roots, and it shows the important and sacred connection between the natural world and human beings. The elephant head, which was said to be given to Ganesha after his own head was cut off, represents oneness with the natural world and the wisdom it provides. ]]> 2023-05-06 22:02:09 UTC https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580553428 pimental1923 https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580554679 In Japanese culture, monkeys were considered to be messengers of the gods. They had positive religious associations, known as one of the animal reincarnations of the Buddha. It was also believed to be a sacred mediator between the kami, or spirits, and earthly human beings.]]> 2023-05-06 22:07:13 UTC https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580554679 Monkey Hanging from Grapevines pimental1923 https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580555604 Artist: Kawanabe Kyōsai
Date: 1868–1912 (Meiji Period)
Location: Japan
Medium: Album leaf; ink and red on silk
Current Location: Metropolitan Museum of Art, not on view]]> 2023-05-06 22:11:09 UTC https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580555604 Four-Armed Ganesha Dancing pimental1923 https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580559058 Artist: Unknown
Date: 1500-1600
Location: Kathmandu Valley, Nepal
Medium: Gilt-copper alloy
Current Location: Metropolitan Museum of Art, not on view]]> 2023-05-06 22:24:54 UTC https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580559058 Dancing Ganesha pimental1923 https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580561080 Artist: Unknown
Date: 10th century (Kalacuri Dynasty)
Location: Madhya Pradesh, India
Medium: Red sandstone
Current Location: Metropolitan Museum of Art]]> 2023-05-06 22:33:37 UTC https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580561080 pimental1923 https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580562929 The persimmon is meant to be a symbol of transformation, and oftentimes monkeys are shown devouring or guarding the fruit or its trees. The green persimmon transforms from bitterness to full sweetness, This is meant to be reminiscent of human ignorance transforming to wisdom, and as wisdom is sacred, the messengers of the gods guard it as such. ]]> 2023-05-06 22:42:10 UTC https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580562929 Netsuke of Seated Monkey with Persimmon pimental1923 https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580563800 Artist: Unknown
Date: 1800s
Location: Japan
Medium: Ivory
Current location: Metropolitan Museum of Art, not on view]]> 2023-05-06 22:46:37 UTC https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580563800 Inrō with Design of Basket of Persimmons (obverse) and Monkey Eating Persimmon (reverse) pimental1923 https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580565652 Artist: Mori Sosen
Date: 1800s (Edo Period)
Location: Japan
Medium: Lacquer, red, gold, and silver hiramakie
Current location: Metropolitan Museum of Art]]> 2023-05-06 22:56:05 UTC https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580565652 Inrō with Monkeys Trying to get Persimmons with Stick (obverse) and Hawk in Persimmon Tree (reverse) pimental1923 https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580566507 Artist: Hanabusa Itchō
Date: 1700-1800
Location: Japan
Medium: Lacquer, roiro, gold, silver, brown and red hiramakie, various inlay
Current Location: Metropolitan Museum of Art, not on view]]> 2023-05-06 22:59:42 UTC https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580566507 Twelve Animals of the Chinese Zodiac pimental1923 https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580567658 Artist: Unknown
Date: 18th-19th century (Qing Dynasty)
Location: China
Current Location: Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Chinese Zodiac assigned different animals to different birth years, and each were said to have significant traits and importance in society. These twelve jade statuettes represent each of the twelve zodiac symbols: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig.]]> 2023-05-06 23:04:52 UTC https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580567658 pimental1923 https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580569134 Depictions of animals and the natural world were very also very significant in indigenous and Mesoamerican cultures, although the artwork was characterized by its bold colors, geometric shapes, and symbolic imagery. Because of this, animals and reptiles are oftentimes somewhat ambiguous, but despite this were full of imagery and religious symbolism. ]]> 2023-05-06 23:12:35 UTC https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580569134 Eagle Relief pimental1923 https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580570197 Artist: Unknown
Date: 10th-13th century
Location: Mexico
Current location: Metropolitan Museum of Art, not on view

This is one of a pair of painted andesite and dacite carved panel. It depicts an eagle biting into a cactus fruit, a symbolic representation of the sun devouring a human heart. There is proof that the panels have been repainted numerous times, pointing to the fact they held some kind of major significance. ]]> 2023-05-06 23:18:58 UTC https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580570197 pimental1923 https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580571292 E
G
Y
P
T
I
A
N

A
R
T]]> 2023-05-06 23:25:15 UTC https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580571292 pimental1923 https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580571611 N
E
A
R

E
A
S
T
E
R
N

A
R
T]]> 2023-05-06 23:26:51 UTC https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580571611 pimental1923 https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580571776 F
A
R

E
A
S
T
E
R
N

A
R
T]]> 2023-05-06 23:27:40 UTC https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580571776 pimental1923 https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580572003 M
E
S
O
A
M
E
R
I
C
A
N

A
N
D

I
N
D
I
G
E
N
O
U
S

A
R
T]]> 2023-05-06 23:28:50 UTC https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580572003 Bottle in the Shape of a Feline pimental1923 https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580572560 Artist: Unknown
Date: 600-900 C.E.
Location: Peru
Medium: Ceramic, slip
Current location: Metropolitan Museum of Art]]> 2023-05-06 23:31:34 UTC https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580572560 Frog Pendant pimental1923 https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580573383 Artist: Unknown
Date: 11th-16th century
Location: Costa Rica (Chiriquí)
Medium: Gold
Current location: Metropolitan Museum of Art, not on view

]]> 2023-05-06 23:36:05 UTC https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580573383 Bird Pendant pimental1923 https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580574165 Artist: Unknown
Date: 4th-7th century
Location: Costa Rica
Current location: Metropolitan Museum of Art, not on view

This jadeite bird pendant is meant to be representative of a toucan. The figure is atop a trophy head, and its carving points to a certain anthropomorphic quality that suggests it could be a shapeshifter or god, as it is meant to represent magic, hope, and joy. ]]> 2023-05-06 23:40:19 UTC https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580574165 Serpent Labret with Articulated Tongue pimental1923 https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580575134 Artist: Unknown
Date: 1300-1521 C.E.
Location: Mexico
Current location: Metropolitan Museum of Art, not on view

This gold labret is a type of plug inserted through a piercing below the lower lip. It is considered a rare glimpse into the thriving tradition of gold-working in the Aztec Empire. Jewelry that adorned not only headdresses but the face and clothing of an individual were oftentimes meant to represent devotion to one or more gods. ]]> 2023-05-06 23:45:46 UTC https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580575134 pimental1923 https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580575455 Serpents and reptiles represented fertility, renewal and transformation, which go along with the god Quetzalcoatl's divine duties and identity. The snake's terrestrial habitat and periodic shedding of their skin suggest the connotation of fertility and renewal, with Quetzalcoatl in particular symbolizes the union of earth and sky.]]> 2023-05-06 23:47:32 UTC https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580575455 Combating Eurocentric Bias through Collections of Art and Culture pimental1923 https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580576028 Without the inclusion of art from cultures across the world, an incomplete version of history is presented by museums and exhibits across the world. By challenging these dominant narratives, museums can help to promote a more accurate and nuanced understanding of history and culture.]]> 2023-05-06 23:50:27 UTC https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580576028 pimental1923 https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580576486 Emphasis on Eurocentric art and design, as well as not giving credit to the cultures that influenced such, can marginalize and erase the histories and cultures of non-European peoples. This Eurocentric bias has led to a lack of representation of diverse perspectives, histories, and experiences in museum collections and exhibitions.]]> 2023-05-06 23:52:16 UTC https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580576486 pimental1923 https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580576769 Museums also have to opportunity to serve as important venues for preserving and celebrating diverse cultural heritage. By showcasing a range of cultures and perspectives, museums can help to ensure that important cultural traditions and artifacts are not lost or forgotten. ]]> 2023-05-06 23:53:52 UTC https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580576769 pimental1923 https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580577115 Thank you for taking the time to look at this exhibit and looking at the natural world through the lens of various cultures!]]> 2023-05-06 23:55:51 UTC https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580577115 Feline Incense Vessel pimental1923 https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580578100 Artist: Unknown
Date: 6th-9th century
Location: Bolivia or Peru
Medium: Ceramic, slip
Current location: Metropolitan Museum of Art, not on view]]> 2023-05-07 00:01:41 UTC https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580578100 Tunic with Confronting Catfish pimental1923 https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580578678 Artist: Unknown
Date: 800-850 C.E.
Location: Peru
Medium: Camelid hair, tapestry-weave
Current location: Metropolitan Museum of Art, not on view]]> 2023-05-07 00:04:58 UTC https://padlet.com/pimental1923/vhorsqt98tzj3ye0/wish/2580578678