Background Information
Over the centuries, two main branches of Buddhism emerged: a transmission that traveled to Southeast Asia, and a transmission that evolved in East Asia. A further offshoot of the northern transmission also developed. All three branches began in India, and developed further as they moved across Asia.
Artwork
Jatayus (Jatayu), king of the vultures and aide to Rama, approx. 1970. Indonesia; Cirebon, West Java. Wood, cloth, and mixed media. From the Mimi and John Herbert Collection, F2000.86.49.
Artwork
Jatayus, the heroic king of the vultures, attempts to prevent Ravana from abducting Sita, from the Ramayana (Story of Rama), approx. 400–500. India; probably Uttar Pradesh state. Terra-cotta. Gift of the Connoisseurs’ Council, 1988.40.
Video
Asian Art Museum Storyteller Miriam Mills tells an excerpt from the Ramayana in the Southeast Asian galleries at the Asian Art Museum with the use of artworks from the museum’s collection.
Background Information
The term for puppetry, wayang, comes from the Indonesian word for shadow bayang. Wayang kulit, shadow puppetry using figures made from water buffalo hide, is considered to be the oldest freestanding puppet form; the earliest references to it date from the 800s.
Activity
Students will: 1.) Observe and discuss how artist Santiago Bose uses cultural symbols and artistic methods as post-colonial critique. 2.) Create an assemblage using found objects that conveys their personal identities. 3.) Interview a family member to uncover a photograph or symbol that recalls their heritage and include this in their assemblages. 4.) Write a first person narrative telling a story about their assemblages.
Background Information
Learn about Hinduism in Bali.
Artwork
The Hindu Deities Shiva and Parvati, 1000-1100. Cambodia; former Kingdom of Angkor. Sandstone. The Avery Brundage Collection, B66S2 and B66S3.
Artwork
Ghatotkacha (Gatotkaca), son of Bhima (Bima), approx. 1970, by M. Ahim. Indonesia; Ciampea, West Java. Wood, cloth, and mixed media. From the Mimi and John Herbert Collection, F2000.86.78.
Artwork
Four-lobed wall tile, 1450-1500, Vietnam, made for the Indonesian market, Glazed stoneware with underglaze cobalt decoration, Gift of Betty and Jack Bogart, 1994.141.
