Module 5 Discussion: Hindu Iconography

Module 5 Discussion: Hindu Iconography

Instructions: Module 5 Discussion: Hindu Iconography

https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/37397

Hinduism as a religion, a philosophy, and a way of life based on varied and ancient sacred writings, has developed a “language of the gods” noticeable in pictograms, the body, and images of the gods. Hinduism’s extensive heritage can also be witnessed in the architecture of their temples and in the sculptures that adorn them. Looking at photographs of these temples and sculptures will allow us to appreciate how Hinduism was inseparable from works of art that represented the gods as well as the variety of human life.

Your Goals

You will develop your visual and critical analysis skills and creative thinking by exploring Hindu iconography through the examination of a sculpture. In your discussion response you will deepen your understanding of Hinduism and how it is expressed through sacred art and symbolism.

Your Tasks

1. Begin by identifying the god depicted in the image assigned to the first letter of your first name. See the doc below for the list of images and links to their pages in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Module 5 Hindu Iconography Discussion Images.docx

A–F: Standing Four-Armed Shiva, gilt bronze, 8th–9th century, 27.9 cm high, Indonesia. Link: Metropolitan Museum of Art

G–K: Ganesha, copper alloy, 12th century, 64.8 cm high, India, Tamil Nadu. Link: Metropolitan Museum of Art 

L–O: Vaikuntha Vishnu, stone, last quarter of the 8th century, 104.5 cm high, India (Jammu & Kashmir, ancient kingdom of Kashmir). Link: Metropolitan Museum of Art

P–Z: Vishnu, copper alloy with gilding, dated 12 August 1105, 42.9 cm high, Nepal, Kathmandu Valley.

Link: Metropolitan Museum of Art

2. Then, conduct additional research to support your understanding of this depiction of the god. I strongly advise that you use the Humber Library system to find recent publications on Hindu sculpture, art, and iconography.

3. Write a discussion post of at least 500 words and respond to the following questions:

• How is this image an example of the “language of the gods”?
• How did the sculptor use scale to create meaning and symbolism in their depiction of the various figures, objects, and other elements in this work?
• What is the iconography of this statue? What are the correct terms for this imagery? Is this an example of a pictogram or emblem? what do these symbols signify?
• How has the artist depicted the god’s avatars in this piece? what are the relevant characteristics of the god? how do these artistic choices in depicting the avatars relate to reincarnation?

4. Be sure to cite all of your sources and provide an MLA style reference list for your sources mentioned. Discussion posts without citations will not receive full marks.

5. Then, find a post by a classmate who wrote about a different image than you. Give a comment of at least one paragraph that highlights the aspects of their post that you find insightful and include at least one question about one aspect of their sculpture that you want to know more about.

Please follow academic integrity standards. Your responses must be original and reflect independent critical thinking.

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