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Full Description
Art in physical forms and shapes (e.g. buildings and paintings) existed in both prehistoric and modern societies. This book examines similarities and differences between art in ancient Indian (Indus) civilizations and that of the Aegean civilizations (i.e. Minoan, Mycenaean and the Cycladic). In prehistoric cultures, art was distinct from the modern, which was defined in terms of utility or practicality rather than aesthetics. It was expressed not in terms of the beauty of an object, but rather its purpose, such as for worship through representations of gods and goddesses (male and female sculptures) or the use of figurines as votive offerings; it was also used for trade and commerce (stamp seals) and for indication of social hierarchy (jewellery and ornaments). Demand for prestige objects in the Minoan and Mycenaean societies grew in response to royal and elite patronage, which was absent in the Indus Valley. The book discusses production and consumption patterns of objects such as pottery, figurines, seals, jewellery and paintings to show striking similarities between the Indian and Aegean civilizations. The comparison raises questions about possible cross-cultural influences, which became much more significant and direct following Alexander's invasion and the subsequent adaptation of Indian art under the Indo-Greek kingdoms.
Contents
Foreword - Dr Dimitrios Th. Vassiliadis
Preface
Introduction
Issues relating to Chronology
Definition. Scope and Coverage of Art
Structure of the Book
1. A Brief Introduction to Ancient Societies
Indus (India)
Minoan (Crete)
Mycenaean (Greek Mainland)
Cycladic
2. Egalitarianism, Elitism and Prestige Goods
Towards a Framework of Analysis
How Unequal or Elitist were Ancient Societies?
3. The Art of the Indus Valley and the Aegean
Pottery
Sculpture
Male Busts and Stone Figures
Frescoes and Paintings
Seals and Signet Rings
Jewellery
Architecture
Concluding Remarks
4. The Indus Valley and Minoan Crete:Fortuitous Parallels or Cultural/Historical Contacts?
Parallels between the Indus Valley and Minoan Crete
Indirect Contacts
Direct Contacts
Cross-Cultural Influences in Ancient Art
Functionality of Ancient Art
Concluding Remarks
5. Direct Greek Influences on Indian Gandhara Art
Pottery
Sculpture
Painting
Seals and Signet Rings
Jewellery
Coins
Architecture
Concluding Remarks
6. Conclusion: Patronage, Pomp and Power
Royal and Elite Patronage
The Social Context
Peace and Stability
Parallels between the Indus and the Aegean: Coincidence or Contacts?
Concluding Remarks
References
Index
