Resources

Islam has been an important cultural force in much of Asia for more than five hundred years, and in some parts for more than a thousand. Today, far more Muslims live in other parts of Asia than in the Arab areas of Asia such as Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Syria.

Carlos Villa Biography and Lesson Plans

Monica Desai tells a story about Narasimha, an incarnation of the Hindu deity Vishnu.

Discover how even little guys can overcome a giant in this Philippine story told by Asian Art Museum storyteller, Ann Riley.

Asian Art Museum Storyteller Leta Bushyhead tells a scene from from the Rama epic (Ramayana) with the use of artworks in the museum’s collection.

An introduction to the Rama epic produced for the Asian Art Museum by filmmaker and cultural historian Benoy K. Behl, featuring performances from across South and Southeast Asia.

A batik lower garment can be wrapped in many ways. People of varying ages, diverse regional backgrounds, or different marital statuses might wrap their long cloths (kain panjang) in different manners. These textiles often are pleated more intricately for ceremonial occasions. The sarong or tube skirt is a less formal mode of dress, which can be worn by both men and women. In this video Alice Adeboi, with the assistance of Peggy Adeboi, demonstrates a formal and less formal way of wearing a kain panjang, methods taught to her by her Javanese mother. Michael Ogi shows how a kain panjang would be worn by a man on a formal occasion and how a sarong is worn informally.

There are many performing arts in Bali, and one of the most famous today is a type of dance called Legong dancing which involves mostly young girls who are trained from a very young age. The Bali: Art, Ritual Performance exhibition is on view at the Asian Art Museum from February 25–September 11, 2011.

The Barong is one of the most prominent images seen in the performing arts of Bali. This video features the Calonarang, a dance drama intended to chase away evil and purify a village.

Use animal templates to make a mix and match game where you create new mythical creatures.